Social Services Director

JOB TITLE: Social Services Director
Job Code: 11-9151

Safety Sensitive: Yes Open Date: 09/22/2025
Federal Testing: No Closing Date: Until Filled
WORKERS COMPENSATION CLASS CODE: 8835 Down Load Job Description

The Social Services Dept. will be a driving force of positive impact to its tribal members by mitigating and/or resolving social ills as alcoholism, child abuse and neglect, drug abuses, abandonment, domestic violence and indigence or homelessness. The department is charged with protecting because it is in the best interest of the tribe to promote safe environments for our children.

To that end, the Director is responsible to develop and administer social welfare programs that encourage independence for tribal members and alleviate need in emergency situations. Further program development and administration will provide child welfare services to the maximum extent feasible under the Indian Child Welfare Act. This extends to but is not limited to programmatic developments and an adjudication process.

Intervene and assist in State child custody cases. Assist tribal family’s access tribal adoption procedures.

• Development and Administration of the Social Services Programs and Services.
• Adjudication process for children’s cases.
• Intervention counseling & other services geared towards educating tribal members of their rights under ICWA.
• Main point of contact for all State and Out of State cases. Work closely with the state on cases.
• Family Intervention Counseling & other services prior to and after adjudication of children’s cases.
• Programs aimed at meeting the child’s needs.
• Native foster care and licensing.
• Establish tribal placement preferences.
• Tribal assistance programs that encourage self-sufficiency.
• Tribal assistance programs designed to alleviate need in emergency situations.
• Grant writing as needed to support.
• Determine the type of need analysis for each client.
• Provide and coordinate provisions for programs and services provided though the Workforce Development Department; providing client counseling, guidance and information on employability and education and to provide assistance on preparation for employment and educational endeavors.
• Evaluate all programs and implement changes to enhance services if needed.
• Responsible for the performance on all existing and acquired future grants for the department.
• Supervise the work of the Social Services and Workforce Development Staff.
• Intervene on behalf of the tribe in state custody in a timely manner.
• Manage client caseload.
• Promote family stability through intervention counseling, foster care and coordination of appropriate services.
• Assist tribal members in accessing tribal procedures.
• Make determinations about substitute care or out of home placements.
• Work towards placing children in appropriate, preferred placements.
• Keep the Tribal Council abreast of new departmental developments.
• Hold executive sessions to discuss specific cases as they impact the department and the tribe as a whole.
• Delegate cases, responsibilities and/or duties to subordinates as needed.
• Assist tribal members in accessing other services available to them.
• Assist tribal members in working through and comprehending the legal systems.
• Manage multiple grants and grant reporting.
• Oversee the child care center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university related to the job.
• One year of responsible work experience in either an employment or education program; or similar field of work.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• As a federally recognized sovereign Tribe and contractor under P.L. 93-638, Native Village of Barrow gives preference for training and employment to qualified candidates who are Alaskan Natives and/or American Indian.

• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop new programs, implements, monitors their progress, and evaluates their success.
• Knowledge of federal contract requirements and standards accounting practices.
• Knowledge of and experience in employment and/or educational programs geared to youth, young adults and adults alike.
• Knowledge of BIA, HHS, and DOL regulations, ANCSA provisions and other matters related to the BIA education and employment programs in Alaska
• Ability to present ideas publicly and meet with diverse groups, including Native Village of Barrow Tribal Council.