Puowwan Program Support Advocate & Case Worker at Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah

Description

Works with individuals receiving General Assistance (GA), Burial Assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and food boxes Assist Tribal Members in filling out paperwork and applications for various governmental assistance programs. Coordinates and participates in the delivery of Food Boxes and other family crisis assistance to Tribal Members and their families.   Serves as a key coordinator for community support programs, working closely with the Utah Food Bank to manage monthly volunteers and oversee the Shivwits Summer Feeding Program. Submits all required documentation for the LIHEAP Model Plan and related grants. Partners with the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition to implement member-focused programs such as Home Safe. Responds to Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) requests and provides case management, including attending court hearings and coordinating multi-service support. Manages and distributes General Assistance (GA) payments and foster/adoption subsidies, ensuring all documentation meets Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) standards. Prepares and submits required quarterly BIA reports. Collaborates on planning quarterly Elder Care Packages and participates in the Local Homeless Council and Aging Council to represent tribal interests. Supports Family Services by organizing events and assisting clients with food orders, hygiene supplies, and resource referrals.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; 1 Hour Lunch Break

Job Functions:

include, but not limited to, the following:

• Interviews, investigates, evaluates, and provides counseling to applicants seeking GA. Determines GA initial and ongoing eligibility.
• Assists GA recipients with developing an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP) and monitors their progress towards meeting their ISP.
• Assist eligible individuals in filling out applications and other necessary paperwork to meet the eligibility requirements for disability benefits, if appropriate.
• Assist eligible individuals in filling out applications and other necessary paperwork for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Food Box Delivery, Family Crisis Assistance, and other appropriate available assistance programs and resources.
• Assists in the review and audit (90-day reviews) of the Family Services client files, ensuring the required documents are presented or added as needed.
• Responds promptly to phone calls and emails from community, State, Tribal and Federal agencies.
• Scans and archives past client files in orderly and retrievable manner.
• Receives telephone calls, visitors, and clients. Answers routine inquiries, routes other inquiries or problems to the appropriate program staff in a timely manner.
• Assists eligible individuals and/or families to understand and complete necessary paperwork to receive BIA and/or tribal Burial Assistance if needed.
• Develops and maintains a collaborative relationship with outside agencies to give and receive referrals leading to the accomplishment of objectives for all Puow’wan Programs.
• Maintains accurate and confidential records and files on individuals being served per BIA and Tribal Policies and Procedures. Documents all client interactions accurately and timely.
• Requires frequent travel within the service area to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Provides backup to the Front Desk Receptionist.
• Follow up on ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) requests submitted to the Tribe in a timely manner; ensure each case has a documented encounter and all relevant documents are uploaded into the appropriate file. As assigned by Puow’wan Program Manager.
• Collaborate with Community and Elder Coordinator to plan, prepare, and mail or deliver the quarterly Elders Care Package, including selecting appropriate items for inclusion.
• Assist in the planning and execution of all Puow’wan Program events and complete any assigned duties to ensure successful implementation in coordination with Community and Elders Coordinator.
• Follow up on ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) requests submitted to the Tribe in a timely manner; ensure each case has a documented encounter and that all relevant documents are uploaded into the appropriate file.
• Attend ICWA-related court hearings on behalf of the Tribe, take detailed notes, and ensure appropriate tribal support is provided for the child and family involved as directed by the Puow’wan Program Manager.
• Coordinate with Enrollment Officer to verify the tribal status of children involved in ICWA cases and ensure accuracy in documentation as directed by the Puow’wan Program Manager.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to support the development and operation of the Tribe’s foster care program, ensuring alignment with ICWA and BIA standards.
• Manage and distribute monthly General Assistance (GA) payments to eligible tribal members in accordance with program guidelines.
• Oversee the distribution of foster and adoption subsidies and ensure all files are complete and maintained to meet Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) compliance standards.
• Assist with case management services related to crisis, ICWA, and GA to support tribal members in need of multi-service support.
• Perform administrative tasks as assigned, including documentation, reporting, and coordination related to ICWA, GA, and foster/adoption services.
• Attend monthly Local Homeless Council meetings to network and build partnerships that bring additional services and resources to tribal clients.
• Attend Aging Council meetings every three months to stay informed about programs and resources that may benefit tribal elders.
• Work directly with the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition to coordinate training opportunities for the Puow’wan Program department and identify potential funding sources to support tribal members. Assist with reporting for domestic violence grants and utilize the funding accordingly.
• Coordinate with the Utah Food Bank to schedule monthly volunteer activities and assist with the Summer Feeding Program at Shivwits. Collaborate with Utah Food Bank on future food security projects involving the Tribe.
• Support the CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) by working with the member service team to develop and distribute healthy recipes that complement the monthly food box distribution.
• Prepare and submit reports and model plans related to the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) grant; maintain communication with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding program requirements and updates.
• Crosstrain with other Puow’wan Programs
• Administrative duties as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operations and mission of the Tribe.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Demonstrates ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively organize and manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrates ability to produce neat, properly formatted typed documents.
• Demonstrates ability to handle office procedures efficiently.
• Demonstrates ability to deal with co-workers and clients in a friendly manner.
• Must be able to demonstrate respect for and awareness of Native American customs, traditions, and socioeconomic needs.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking with small groups of different managerial, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnical, and educational backgrounds.
• Must be willing to travel as needed.

Requirements

General Requirements:

• Must be insurable through the Tribe’s vehicle insurance required.
• Must pass a criminal and fingerprint background check according to P.L. 101-630 standards required.
• Must pass a pre-employment alcohol/drug screening required.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma, equivalent GED or higher required.
• Preference given to work experience with Native Americans.

License & Certification:

• Must possess, maintain, and provide proof of a valid Driver’s License required.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, walk, hear, and use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required.by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to drive and operate a vehicle when required to cover shifts at other locations.
• The Tribe reserves the right to require the employee to submit to and pass a physical examination prior to or during employment.

Work Environment:

• The work is performed in an office setting or out in the field with frequent contact with clients and the public. The noise level in the work environment is mild to moderate.

Benefits

• Group Health Care Plan (Health, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability). Employer paid premiums for Employee, Spouse and Dependents
• Supplemental/Voluntary Benefits (Aflac, Life/AD&D and Short-Term Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident, Critical Illness)
• HSA Bank Account - Monthly employer contributions
• Retirement Plan (401k, Roth) - Dollar for dollar match up to 6%
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays (Federal, State and Tribal) - Paid according to set work schedule only
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education Assistance Program
• Wellness Program - Earn up to $1,000 into your HSA account per year