Tribal Program Specialist

ABOUT NWRC

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington.  NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking applicants for a Tribal Program Specialist to serve Indigenous persons that reside within the NWRC service area, including the sovereign nations of Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, Sauk Suiattle, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit. This role may be based in either NWRC's Bellingham or Mount Vernon office.

JOIN US

NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from all backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.

TRIBAL OUTREACH PROGRAM

This focused outreach program uses culturally appropriate materials and a culturally relevant approach to make services understandable and effective for older Indians. The Tribal Program Specialist provides information, assistance, and help in finding culturally appropriate care for elders who need personal care and other assistance in their homes. They also act as cultural interpreters for service providers and as an advocate for the needs of elders who experience barriers to accessing necessary services. 

A DAY IN THE LIFE 

The Tribal Program Specialist consistently navigates routine and complex duties while building and maintaining critical relationships between Indigenous communities and NWRC for the purpose of providing insight to available services for Indigenous persons, Elders, and individuals with disabilities and complex medical conditions. This position provides information and assistance and community outreach to aide in the development and utilization of community services and resources which recognizes tribal sovereignty and honors the support needs of Indigenous persons.

This position engages in both community-based and individualized, family-centered settings, supporting individuals who experience significant vulnerability. When serving Tribal communities, the work carries additional complexity due to the impacts of historical trauma and systemic inequities. The Tribal Program Specialist navigates this by demonstrating cultural humility, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and a strong commitment to relationship-based, trust-centered service delivery.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

10-Step pay range: $29.34 - $38.29 Hourly

NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position’s assigned salary range. NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate’s experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.

As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following benefits: 

• 100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options


• 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
  


• Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)


• 100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents


• Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options


• Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity


• Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month


• 13 Paid Holidays Annually


• 3 Paid Wellness Days Annually


• Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program


• Alternative Work Schedules


• Hybrid Work Environment


• 4% premium pay offered for Certified Social Services Interpreters 

Note:  NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION
NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal lives. The Tribal Program Specialist can be based in either the Bellingham or Mount Vernon NWRC office. This role will work with the Community Programs Supervisor to develop a schedule that includes regular, in person time in the office as well as optional remote days balanced with frequent travel throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants who bring lived experience, strong community ties, and/or traditional knowledge that supports effective, trust-based engagement with Indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Education/Experience: 

• High school graduate or equivalent; AND five years of volunteer or paid human services, community-based work, advocacy, outreach, or related experience; OR


• Bachelor's Degree in human services, social services, public health, education or related field; AND one year of volunteer or paid human services experience.


• An equivalent combination of education and experience, paid or volunteer, which provides the skills, knowledge and ability to perform the work.


• Experience working with Indigenous persons and/or Tribal communities is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of indigenous traditions, culture, customs, historical context, and ways of being with an understanding of the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma on individuals, families, and communities.


• Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.


• Demonstrated cultural humility and advanced interpersonal communication skills which support building and maintaining, and sustaining respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous clients, families, tribal partners and community stakeholders.


• Demonstrated skills in client assessment, service navigation, advocacy, professional boundaries, problem-solving, organization, time management, and documentation of activities.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast paced, shared workspace with frequent interruptions while consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining service quality.


• Demonstrated ability to work with computers and various computer software programs including Microsoft Office, internet, and email. 


• Ability to maintain client confidentiality, including client information, and financial records.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other members of government service, community partners, businesses, and members of the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment. 

 Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• Must have a 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/certifications such as motivational interviewing, communicating in conflict, mental health first aid, Community Health Worker training, trauma-informed approach, dementia and Alzheimer’s, etc.

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

NWRC is committed to continuous improvement in our recruitment and selection practices. We strive to provide a respectful, inclusive and transparent candidate experience, while reducing barriers and supporting equitable access to employment opportunities. We prioritize timely, clear communication with candidates to reduce uncertainty and our selection process is comprised of job-related evaluation methods that are reviewed by multiple hiring team members. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.