Tribal Program Specialist

Northwest Regional Council•Bellingham, WA

6d•$29 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is hiring a Tribal Program Specialist to serve Indigenous persons in its service area, including the sovereign nations of Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, Sauk Suiattle, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit. The position may be based in NWRC’s Bellingham or Mount Vernon office and serves older Indigenous people, elders, and individuals with disabilities or complex medical conditions. The Tribal Outreach Program uses culturally appropriate materials and approaches to help older Indians understand and access services. The Tribal Program Specialist provides information and assistance, helps people find culturally appropriate in-home personal care and other support, serves as a cultural interpreter for service providers, and advocates for elders facing barriers to necessary services. The role builds and maintains relationships between Indigenous communities and NWRC, and supports the development and use of community services and resources while recognizing tribal sovereignty. Work takes place in community-based and individualized, family-centered settings and may involve people experiencing significant vulnerability. The position requires cultural humility, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and relationship-based, trust-centered service delivery in light of historical trauma and systemic inequities. This is a full-time, permanent, non-exempt position. The schedule is developed with the Community Programs Supervisor and includes regular in-person office time, optional remote days, and frequent travel throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. The hourly pay range is $29.34–$38.29.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent and five years of paid or volunteer human services, community-based work, advocacy, outreach, or related experience; or a bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, public health, education, or a related field and one year of paid or volunteer human services experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of Indigenous traditions, culture, customs, historical context, and ways of being, including the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma.
Understanding of institutional barriers to services.
Cultural humility and interpersonal communication skills to build and sustain respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous clients, families, tribal partners, and community stakeholders.
Skills in client assessment, service navigation, advocacy, professional boundaries, problem-solving, organization, time management, and documentation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced shared workspace with frequent interruptions while meeting deadlines and maintaining service quality.
Ability to use computers and software including Microsoft Office, the internet, and email.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and financial records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, government service members, community partners, businesses, and the public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
Ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, and other marginalized communities.
Commitment to supporting an environment that advocates for and creates belonging for people of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
Valid driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.
Become Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Certified during the second year of employment, after one full year of employment.
Complete additional training or certifications, such as motivational interviewing, communicating in conflict, mental health first aid, Community Health Worker training, trauma-informed approaches, or dementia and Alzheimer’s training.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience, strong community ties, and/or traditional knowledge that supports effective, trust-based engagement with Indigenous communities.
Experience working with Indigenous persons and/or Tribal communities.
Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Responsibilities

Provide information, assistance, and community outreach to Indigenous persons, elders, and individuals with disabilities or complex medical conditions.
Help elders find culturally appropriate personal care and other assistance in their homes.
Help develop and support the use of community services and resources.
Act as a cultural interpreter for service providers.
Advocate for elders who experience barriers to accessing necessary services.
Build and maintain relationships between Indigenous communities and NWRC through respectful, trust-centered engagement.
Support individuals and families in community-based and individualized settings while recognizing Tribal sovereignty and support needs.
Travel frequently throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage for individual employee plans and up to 95% employer-paid medical coverage for dependent plans, with multiple plan options.
Employer-paid dental and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents, with multiple plan options.
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3).
Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program for employees and dependents.
Life and long-term disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options.
Vacation leave accrued at 8 hours per month, increasing with longevity.
Sick leave accrued at 8 hours per month.
13 paid holidays annually.
3 paid wellness days annually.
Voluntary flexible spending plans for health and/or child or elder care.
Voluntary deferred compensation program.
Alternative work schedules.
Hybrid work environment.
4% premium pay for Certified Social Services Interpreters.
NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness definition of a public service organization.