Heritage - On-Time Graduation Specialist

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

17h

About The Position

In partnership with local school districts and guided by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians’ commitment to educational equity, cultural identity, and academic success, the Regional On-Time Graduation Specialist (ROTGS) will focus on improving graduation outcomes for Native students, with a primary focus on supporting students who are enrolled members or descendants of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. This shared position will work across participating districts to build meaningful relationships with Tribal families, strengthen collaboration with school staff, and provide culturally responsive interventions that ensure students stay on track to graduate on time. This position is employed by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and works in close partnership with designated school district and Tribal liaisons to coordinate services and monitor student progress.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field and two years of related experience working with Native education required. Will consider equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong knowledge of state and district graduation requirements, credit systems, and alternative pathways.
Understanding of culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices, with specific emphasis on supporting Native students and families.
Demonstrated knowledge of Puyallup tribal history, culture, and language required.
Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
Must be able to successfully pass a background check prior to hire, and periodically throughout employment thereafter.
Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English and in Southern Lushootseed.

Nice To Haves

Exposure, study, and understanding of the Lushootseed language preferred.
Lushootseed speaker preferred, Lushootseed Language Teaching Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead advocate and point of contact for Native students and their families, helping ensure academic, cultural, and social-emotional needs are addressed.
Collaborate with district staff (e.g., principals, counselors, OTGS, Native education staff) to identify Puyallup Tribe of Indian students in need of academic support, credit recovery, and/or alternative graduation pathways.
Develop individualized academic success plans and connect students to culturally relevant services, mentorship, and tutoring supports.
Support smooth school transitions (e.g., middle to high school, high school to postsecondary) with a focus on culturally grounded practices and consistent relationships.
Build staff capacity across districts to engage Puyallup Tribe of Indian students and families through training, consultation, and partnership.
Monitor and analyze student data to track progress and adjust supports as needed in collaboration with school teams and Tribal Education staff.
Assist with the coordination and submission of waivers, appeals, and alternative graduation pathways through OSPI.
Work in alignment with the Puyallup Tribe’s Heritage Department, Educational Incentives Program and post-secondary programs to ensure seamless supports across systems.
Represent the Tribe and participating districts in regional and state-level education forums, committees, and Tribal education convenings.
Maintain accurate documentation of student contact, intervention strategies, and progress updates.
Travel regularly across districts and Tribal sites to maintain visibility and accessibility to students, families, and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission of supporting Native student success and on-time graduation.