Youth Support Specialist

The Youth SupportSpecialist advocates for tribal youth by coordinating and providing access to educational, cultural, and supportive resources that promote student success and engagement. The position works in collaboration with school staff, families, and community partners to identify student needs and help develop appropriate support plans, with a primary focus on connecting youth to services rather than providing direct instruction. Key responsibilities include overseeing and supporting cultural programming, such as assisting with graduation stoles and cultural necklaces, coordinating youth leadership activities, and managing the tutoring program. The position supports students in grades K–12, maintains accurate student records, completes required data entry within the 477-project system, and monitors participation in programs and services. Through advocacy, coordination, and culturally grounded supports, the Youth Support Specialist helps ensure tribal youth have access to the resources they need to thrive academically and culturally.

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1. Acts as a liaison between the Karuk Education Department and local schools.

2. Maintains a working relationship with students, school staff, and administrator and community organizers.

3. Assesses the needs of the students served and works with school administrators,counselors, and teachers to determine the best method of providing services.

4. Analyzes and maintains confidential records of student performance and on student academic achievements, obstacles encountered, recommended remediation, and possible program improvements.

5. Participates in team reviews concerning academic progress for students who are struggling orneed services.

6. Assists with coordinating and delivering culturally suitable materials, services, and training opportunities for students.

7. Assists the Education Director with implementing programs and events in conjunction with other outreach programs and/or Tribal Departments.

8. Assists the Yáan'iiftihansaThaanêen Youth Support Champion in planning and implementing Karuk Youth Leadership meetings.

9. Oversees the tutoring program and works with the Karuk Youth Mentorship Director to coordinate a tutoring schedule out of the youth Mentorship House in Happy Camp.

10. Adheres to Tribe's and Program's confidentiality and personnel policies.

11.  Be available for local and out ofthe area travel as required for job related training and various activities.

12. Attends all required meetings,trainings and functions.

13. Be polite and maintain a priority system in accepting other job-related duties, as assigned.

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1. Abilityto connect with youth and have respect for youth culture.

2. Demonstrates strong organizational skills, be able to prioritize duties and ensure timely completion of tasks.

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1.      Experience and/or Education:

a.  An Associates’ degree from an accredited college; or

b.  High School Diploma with one year of related experience with youth; or

c.   An equivalent combination of a successful higher education and related experience. Equivalencies based on a 1:1 ratio, 1 years of experience equals 1 years of education.

2.      Must have demonstrated ability to understand Native American perspectives and establish excellent rapport with Native American students.

3.      Must have completed mandated reporter training and CPR/First Aid or be willing to complete both trainings within 90 days of hire.

4.      Ability to build relationships with students, families and, build partnerships tribal departments, school entities and communities being served.

5.      Must be a self-starter, well organized, and willing to learn new skills.

6.      Must possess valid driver's license, good driving record, and be insurable by the Tribe's insurance carrier.

7.      Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening test.

8.      Must adhere to required pre-employment background check, Crim check and FBI fingerprints. Additionally, (IF applicable): Investigation of character as required by the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Act(ICPFVP). The minimum standards require an investigation that shall include: a check of fingerprint files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and to appropriate local law enforcement agencies. The applicant must not have been found guilty of, or entered a plea of no contender or guilty plea to any felonious offenses or two or more misdemeanor offense under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; crimes against persons; an offense committed against children.

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