Integrated Family Services Specialist

Title:                          Integrated Family Services Specialist

Department/Division: Social Services

Status:                          Full-Time                    

Salary:                        Hourly/ DOE               

Supervisor:                 Social Services Director

 

Position Summary:

The Integrated Family Services Specialist provides trauma-informed, culturally competent services to Native American children, families, and individuals across the Pala Band of Mission Indians community. This position plays a critical role in delivering behavioral health and family support through mobile crisis response, case management, opioid prevention education, and foster care coordination.

In this dynamic, client-facing role, the Specialist will respond to real-time crises, facilitate psychoeducational workshops on substance use and recovery, support foster home approval, and serve as a consistent mentor and advocate. The ideal candidate will have experience in substance abuse treatment, crisis de-escalation, group facilitation, and working within tribal communities. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and deep commitment to healing and family preservation are essential.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to crisis situations in the community, including homes, schools, and public spaces.
• Provide de-escalation, emotional support, risk assessments, and safety planning.
• Connect individuals and families to appropriate behavioral health services.
• Collaborate with other departments and providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Develop and lead workshops focused on opioid prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support.
• Facilitate culturally appropriate education and engagement activities for youth and families.
• Build partnerships with tribal, local, and regional service providers to enhance outreach and prevention.
• Conduct client assessments, develop individualized treatment or service plans, and manage follow-up.
• Coordinate referrals and services with behavioral health teams, medical staff, and tribal programs.
• Maintain timely and confidential documentation using appropriate case note formats
• Recruit, screen, and support families interested in providing care to children in need.
• Conduct home studies, background checks, and safety inspections in compliance with tribal and state standards.
• Provide pre-service and ongoing training to foster caregivers using culturally tailored curricula.
• Assist with the licensing/certification process and monitor family progress.
• Lead group sessions for youth and caregivers on topics such as trauma recovery, communication, life skills, and substance use.
• Apply evidence-based and culturally rooted approaches (e.g., White Bison, Mending Broken Hearts) to support healing.
• Serve as a positive mentor and role model for youth in care or in crisis.
• Represent the program at events, health fairs, and community activities.
• Coordinate with tribal leaders, service providers, schools, and justice systems to build a support network.
• Advocate for the needs of Native youth and families in multiple service environments.

Other Duties

• Assist in policy development, program planning, and implementation of new initiatives.
• Participate in staff training, public speaking engagements, and grant reporting.
• Help monitor budgets and ensure services align with grant/funding guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Services Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of behavioral health, substance use recovery, and crisis response strategies.
• Familiarity with DSM-5, trauma-informed care, and culturally specific recovery models (e.g., AA/NA, White Bison).
• Experience working with Native American communities and tribal organizations.
• Strong group facilitation and client engagement skills.
• Skilled in documentation, treatment planning, and case coordination.
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly, compassionately, and effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, electronic medical records, and virtual platforms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum six (6) years of combined education and experience in social services, crisis response, or substance abuse treatment.
• Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CCAPP) or similar credential preferred.
• Licensed Psychiatric Technician certification preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing (including marijuana).
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Valid Class “C” California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• CPR/First Aid certification required (or must obtain within 60 days of hire).
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

 

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.