Culture Specialist

Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations • Spokane Valley, WA

4d • $29 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

The Culture Specialist establishes rapport with residents and supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of culturally based programming in conjunction with individualized treatment plans for youth in a residential treatment center. The role involves hands-on work such as gathering natural materials, preparing ceremonial spaces, and facilitating cultural crafts. The specialist also provides cultural training for staff and helps youth connect with Tribal mentors and cultural practices during treatment. The position performs program functions in accordance with organizational policies and procedures while maintaining a high level of cultural programming.

The role maintains participation records, orients residents to the culture program, develops and maintains a twelve-week cultural curriculum and relevant materials reflecting Plateau tribal cultures, and coordinates internal and external cultural resources. The specialist conducts cultural assessments, collaborates with the multidisciplinary team on residents' progress and cultural needs, and supports residents through transition to aftercare or discharge. The role also promotes a safe, culturally relevant learning environment and follows procedures for supplies, inventory, and budget management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with Native American communities or in-depth knowledge of Native American cultures, specifically Plateau tribes.
• One year of related experience and/or training working with at-risk adolescents, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of cultural teaching appropriate to the assignment, effective behavior-management and instructional techniques, and organizational policies and procedures for student safety.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication with residents, the care team, and guardians.
• Ability to engage students positively and confidently; work fairly and consistently with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse population; adapt to change; remain flexible; organize activities; use good judgment; and maintain a safe learning environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Office 365, and other relevant applications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain records of resident participation in activities in the organization's electronic record system and meet documentation timelines.
• Orient each resident to the HL7N culture program, including its goals, objectives, ceremonies, advising projects, expectations, and role in supporting treatment.
• Maintain a twelve-week cultural curriculum and other culturally relevant materials reflecting Plateau tribal cultures, and work with residents on their respective tribal cultures.
• Coordinate internal and external cultural resources for youth in treatment, including speakers, cultural guests, field trips, and traditional ceremony preparation.
• Prepare for ceremonies, including chopping and stacking wood, supervising ROPs, and supporting late-night and early-morning starts.
• Administer cultural assessments for new residents and meet weekly with the multidisciplinary team to discuss treatment progress, cultural needs, projects, and assignments through transition to aftercare or discharge.
• Monitor resident behavior and uphold classroom management to maintain an optimal culturally relevant environment in classrooms and designated outdoor learning spaces.
• Follow standard operating procedures for acquiring supplies and tracking inventory, adhere to the program budget, and recommend budget modifications and updates that support best practice.
• Attend meetings and training as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• HL7N pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, beginning the first of the month after 60 days of employment.
• Up to $6,000 annually for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses through a Navia Debit Card.
• $75,000 life insurance policy and disability benefits, 100% employer-paid after 90 days for full-time employees.
• 22 days of paid time off annually, plus 12 paid holidays and up to 8 sick days per year after the 90-day probationary period.
• Eligibility for a Wellness Week after one year of employment.
• Eligibility for a 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 6% employer contribution after 12 months of employment, contingent upon working at least 1,000 hours.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED