AFS Caseworker

The Anishinaabek Family Services (AFS) Caseworker, under the direction of the AFS Supervisor, is responsible for overseeing a variety of professional assignments to provide direct services, case management, prevention, and intervention to socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals, specifically tribal children and their families. This position carries a caseload consisting of direct services for child and family support according to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA);
Grand Traverse Band (GTB) Codes, personnel policies, departmental policies and procedures; and local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements. This position involves improving access to health services, providing individual assistance, information and resources, advocacy to increase the education, outreach, and enrollment of children and families in a variety of local, state, federal, and tribal social services. This position serves as back-up for Adult Protective Services Caseworker and Child Protective Services Caseworker functions to ensure continuity of care for clients.

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies, or related field required.
• A minimum of two years' experience in a social services field, specifically working with children and their families in a social services field, required.
• A minimum of one year experience working in a field of child welfare required.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

• Assure that the safety and well‑being of the client, community member, staff, and volunteers is the highest priority.
• Respond to critical situations, provide crisis support to clients within established or defined time frames.
• Knowledge of and adherence to the Grand Traverse Band Codes, Indian Child Welfare Act, the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act, department policies and procedures, local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements and work within best practices.
• Maintain current certifications in CPR, First Aid, Recipient Rights, and Mental Health First Aid as appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned clients and/or families in accordance with the program guidelines.
• Develop and maintain digital client files according to departmental policies and procedures; program, funding source, local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.
• Assess the strengths and needs of clients and their families and, with client and/or family input, develop an initial case service plan with a treatment plan, safety plan as needed, and an after‑care treatment plan.
• Ongoing assessment of client progress, needs, and barriers; completion of updates service and treatment plans and court reports.
• Make recommendations to the court regarding case services and plans.
• Review behavioral, medical, and educational needs of each client under the jurisdiction of the court, and/or receiving prevention services within established or defined timelines.
• Provide in‑home supportive services, education, community resources, referrals, and other social service interventions to clients and their families.
• Serve as client advocate by working with courts, hospitals, nursing homes, foster homes, law enforcement, protective services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and other local, state, federal, or tribal services.
• Assist clients and/or their families in petitioning for Guardian and Conservatorships.
• Evaluate office, client living environments, and community‑based situations for client and/or worker safety and follow best practices when working in a potentially volatile environment.
• Prepare and file court petitions in protective services and in‑home care cases according to local, state, federal, tribal codes, laws, and/or requirements.
• Locate appropriate resources and make appropriate referrals, assist clients and/or their families with completing forms for various local, state, federal, and tribal social services.
• Coordinate with other departments and outside agencies or organizations for…