Student Support Advisor

COMMITMENT TO TRIBAL MEMBERS SERVICE

Service encompasses all aspects of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian's governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Members, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

SUMMARY

To provide direct and intervention services that will improve academic opportunities for all youth in school or homeschooling (grades kindergarten through-12th) in the six-county service area and engage in cultural events. Also includes assisting in collecting statistical data on our students which will be used to develop relevant statistical information on grades, attendance, test scores, and behavior for reporting to the Tribal Council, Tribal Manager, and Department Manager. Provide appropriate referrals of students regarding their education, i.e., tutoring, homework labs, career counseling, assist with after school programs, summer program/events, and to assist the students in overcoming problems which impede their learning. Perform tutoring and homework lab sessions with the youth, as needed. The Student Support Advisor must have a commitment to excellence and caring with working with the youth. This position will also be a positive role model and advocate for all youth.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Associates Degree is required in social work, education, counseling, or related field*
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• Must have a valid Chauffeur Driver's License.
• A minimum of three years 'experience working with Native American youths.
• Must maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work a flexible 40-hour week, during appropriate hours based on the needs of the program or as scheduled and approved by the supervisor.
• Comply with all GTB policies and procedures including the GTB Children's Code.
• To be in compliance with the Privacy Act and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality of participants served by the program.
• To maintain personal standards of high character and serve as a positive role model for Native American youth.
• Maintain close contact and good working relationships with local school officials. Attend local school committee meeting and board meeting as approved by supervisor.
• To collaborate with Tribal, local, state and federal agencies as needed.
• Attend all required meetings with youth and education department.
• Continue with necessary training and educational requirements as required with specified date of completion.
• Maintaining the highest level of integrity due to the nature of the position in working with the youth.
• Complete required monthly activity reports including baseline measures.
• To maintain written records and files of daily activities and travel log.
• Present information about the program and its services to the local Native American communities and schools of the six-county service area, i.e., Charlevoix, Leelanau, Grand Traverse/Antrim and Benzie/Manistee, and to encourage Native youth participation in the program. Outreach and home visits as required encouraging participation in program activities.
• Have contacts with the school districts on a regular basis for feedback of the program and to encourage a healthy relationship between student and the school. To positively encourage cultural awareness in the schools.
• Monitor student academics, attendance, behavior, and target At-Risk students with individual files on each student and assist in keeping accurate records for reporting and compilation of statistical data. Identify effective strategies to engage parents in the education of their youth. Work closely with tribal students to provide individualized instruction that caters to the strengths, weaknesses, and overall educational goals.
• Preform, set up tutors and tutoring programs for tribal students in the service area.
• Coordinate and assist with homework labs for tribal students.
• Complete student profiles as requested.
• Attend and assist education staff with the celebrating graduates at the education banquet.
• Involvement with communities, program staff/programs that directly relate to student/school issues, after school programs, summer program and Camp Alden.
• Assist in the planning of community educational events and activities in the areas of recreation and cultural. Work and assist at Camp Alden during the summer.
• Attend staff meetings with program staff. To coordinate monthly programs for youth & families, Camp Alden, and staff school schedules.
• Develop ongoing youth initiatives to keep students engaged in school-related activities.
• Attend IEP's, 504 Plans and related meetings for students assigned to the Student Support Advisor
• Assist in the development and the monitoring of special education plans for each student and assure needs are met.
• Keep records of the date an IEP was attended, parent involvement, a student's category of special education endorsement, and number of new students tested for special education.
• Must establish a relationship with Title VI programs, Third Level Crisis Center, and all other local and Tribal programs that may assist the youth.
• Inform supervisor of youth with their academics, truancy or any other situation that may affect their education.
• Other duties assigned by supervisor that relate to the continuing educational and cultural-related academic efforts put forth by the Grand Traverse Band.

SCOPE OF WORK

Intervention, referral and community activities are the key ingredients to this program, with goals set for positive outcomes for all parties involved. To be familiar with all tribal and outside agencies is a priority to ensure quality intervention with quick response. Collaborative services with Anishinaabek Family Services (AFS). Create and maintain a working relationship with the schools and agencies on behalf of the students, families and the Grand Traverse Band. Advocate for all students preK-12th. Have involvement with committees that directly relate to student/school issues, specifically GTB truancy.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with respect to Native American culture.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated in the seven grandfather teachings.
• Exceptional detail and follow up skills.
• General proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Windows, Word, Excel, and us of associated peripherals, and other Microsoft office products.
• Basic general proficiency in 10-key calculators and other office equipment.
• High ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Must be able to provide accurate communication in regard to required reports.
• Must be able to collect and present data.
• Must be familiar with Tribal, local, state and federal programs.
• Must be familiar with IDEA, NCLB, able to participate in IEPC's, and knowledge of Federal and State Special Education guidelines.
• Must be able to read and interpret school profile records.
• Must be able to read and interpret manuals and textbooks.
• Must be able to communicate well with School Administrators and GTB co-workers.
• Must have a commitment to excellence and caring working with the youth
• Must be a positive role model and advocate for all youth.
• Must be involved with committees, program staff/programs that directly relate to student/school issues, after school programs, summer program and Camp Alden.
• Must maintain all student records.
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiple and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Must be able to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.
• Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Must be professional with youths, families and community.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree is required in social work, education, or related field*
• A minimum of three years of experience working with Native American youth, and some case management experience.
• CAUSE Training and CPR/First Aid Certification

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervisor and Monitor youth participants when necessary.
• Assist the operations of youth, after school monthly programs, summer program and Camp Alden.
• Supervise Youth Worker

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Local travel is frequently required, out-of-town travel is occasionally required.
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier with Chauffer's License Endorsement
• Must have reliable transportation for travel within the six county service areas.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Little physical demands are required of this position. Driving is a major function performed outside of regular office tasks. Must be able to drive in various weather conditions.

The Student Support Advisor must be able to exercise good judgment regarding the following:

• When and how to respond to requests for mentoring youth and/or staff.
• Must have the patience to work with the youth and other school staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Most work is performed in the school environment, which can be strenuous and busy.
• In addition to the schools, there are meetings, workshops and office environments.
• Outdoors camp setting for work at Camp Alden.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy regarding confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.