Youth and Family Support Navigator - External Closing: 10/6/26

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska•Niobrara, NE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services. The Youth and Family Support Navigator uses lived experience as the primary caregiver of a child, youth, or young adult with a serious emotional disturbance (SED) to guide families through the behavioral health system. This position leads family engagement efforts, provides peer support, and partners with staff to implement the system of care. In addition, this role facilitates youth groups, family engagement activities, cultural and wellness activities, and provides 1:1 youth mentorship.

Requirements

Lived experience as the primary caregiver of a child, youth, or young adult with a serious emotional disturbance (SED).
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and be insurable.
Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
Able and willing to travel.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in providing individual, family, and group counseling.
One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638” Indian Self-Determination Act.

Responsibilities

Provide peer support to families of children, youth, or young adults with SED based on lived experience as a primary caregiver.
Partner with behavioral health staff to implement system‑of‑care principles throughout programs.
Facilitate youth group activities focused on wellness, leadership, culture, and skill‑building.
Facilitate youth and family group activities, including cultural, educational, and community events.
Provide 1:1 youth mentorship to support life skills, self‑advocacy, and system navigation.
Advocate for family‑driven, culturally responsive services and support family engagement in treatment planning.
Organize outreach activities and build partnerships to strengthen youth and family involvement.
Maintain required documentation in APRIMA or other assigned systems.
Travel within the Tribal Service Delivery Area as required.
Other duties, as assigned