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.