Purpose
Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) job descriptions are a management tool to help organize duties and provide employees with the employer’s expectations with regard to a specific job classification. The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a reasonable assignment for the position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Job Summary
The Education Specialist creates and maintains strong relationships with Tribal youth and the community. Responsible to guide and direct tribal youth through the successful completion of their individual educational and training needs. Work involves identifying and working with Tribal youth both in the school district and community.
Responsible to complete intake assessments and advise tribal members regarding educational/career plans. Develop or facilitate relevant trainings for individuals and groups. Provides timely and accurate information to team members monthly and performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Build relationships with and provide educational and training information to area youth and families. Develop relationships with the Tribe and school district to maintain credibility with tribal and community members to create a positive image of the Tribe.
Establish and communicate a corporate value system and enforce ethical business practices at all times. Comply with, or influence the development of internal policy and procedures as pertains to K-12 education.
Performs Career Intake Assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses that may contribute to career readiness. Develop individual career plans through interviews. Encourage utilization of existing career readiness resources.
Screen, assess, place, and evaluate participant performance results. Gather data, track participant outcomes and maintain open, frequent communication with youth and families through Course of Action.
Collaborate with youth serving personnel and organizations to identify at-risk youth K-12. Identify strengths and weaknesses that may affect graduation rates. Provide social/emotional support through student and family services programs and activities. Encourage student and family utilization of existing academic and other youth-serving resources.
Recruit students for after-school and in-school youth and document participation. Prepare training and classroom materials based on best practices aimed at increasing graduation rates.
To identify actual and anticipated educator requirements, incumbent will establish personal rapport with educational entities such as the local school district and university. Participates in processes such as school board meetings to understand the policies and procedures guiding student progress. Remain current with Native education events, studies, and news. Record graduation rates and student achievement gaps to determine where educational assistance is most needed.
KIC COMPETENCIES
Cultural Competency: To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.
Uphold KIC Values: To make decisions and behave in a manner consistent with KIC Workplace Values of Trust, Teamwork, Respect, and Accountability, as well as Southeast Traditional Tribal Values “Our Way of Life”.
Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for yourself in your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition.
Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers; always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.
Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing.
Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of the legislation, federal regulations, requirements and criteria for education, vocational training, and other related programs;
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Knowledge of student counseling;
- Knowledge of case management techniques utilized in identifying and analyzing client’s educational, financial, supportive services and employment needs;
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Skill to operate software programs;
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Ability to obtain personal information (demographics, employment, income, information) from clients in a respectful and skilled manner;
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Ability to exercise mature judgment in evaluating specific situations and recommending solutions;
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with peers, public, private agencies, and the general public;
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Ability to understand and apply a variety of administrative and program requirements to various client needs;
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Ability to communicate professionally over the telephone and in person in a positive and clear manner;
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Ability to manage multiple tasks, including telephone, computer operations and in-person visits simultaneously;
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Ability to take verbal instruction and complete assigned project by established deadline;
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Ability to be flexible in order to perform at the highest level as a team player;
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Ability to utilize maximum degree of professionalism and diplomacy with those who may be experiencing a high degree of stress both mentally and/or physically (both client and co-workers);
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and able to prioritize assignments;
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Ability to maintain confidentiality of all KIC operations and staff.
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Other related duties as assigned.
Physical Activities
Must be able to work in an office environment in a stationary position the majority of the work day.
This position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment to access office equipment, attend face-to-face meetings on / off site as needed, zoom meetings, teleconference calls, videoconferencing, e-mail, and similar activities, etc. Routinely lifting and carrying items and boxes up to ten (10) pounds.
Large portion of time will be spent in front of computer screen, researching and reviewing various documents for final disposition to internal / external customers. Writing by hand and using a personal computer. Attend lunch / evening meetings as requested by supervisor or designee. Traveling occasionally, to out-of-town meetings and functions.
Working Conditions
The environment involves the usual risks and stress of an office environment within a public service facility. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases. Safety precautions for employees such as blood drawing for screening of various diseases such as hepatitis, required immunizations, etc. are necessary. The employee is occasionally subject to verbal abuse, threats, and physical violence from angry, hostile, or disgruntled clients and/or family members.
QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure
Possess current valid State of Alaska driver's license with a record acceptable to KIC’s Insurance carrier.
Education / Experience
Bachelor degree in Education, Sociology, Counseling, Human Development or related field. Two (2) years documented experience working in higher education, career counseling or related field.
Any combination of related education / experience will be considered if the candidate possess the demonstrated ability.
