Traditional Mental Health Worker

Job Title: Traditional Mental Health Worker Effective Date: 9/9/2024

Reports to: Chief Traditional Officer Salary Range: Starting $ $46.00

Status:   ☒Regular  ☐Temporary  ☒Full-Time    ☐Part-Time    FLSA:   ☐  Exempt  ☐  ☒ Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

This position works with the Chief Traditional Officer to support the Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual health of the members and residents of Chief Seattle Club. This role will ensure that they all experience Chief Seattle Club as a place grounded in Native culture that nurtures, affirms, and strengthens the spirit of urban Native people. This position will work individually and in group settings utilizing trauma informed mental health and cultural tools and practices to support the healing and wellness of members and residents. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Create trusting and supportive relationships with residents/members through regular presence in community spaces and events.
• Develop schedule for one-on-one sessions with members. Individualize treatment plans with members *Deliverables would be dependent on-site location.
• Group activities, special outings or gatherings on site, that support resident/member's healing and wellness.
• Coordinate with site staff to lead cultural wellness activities that are accessible to all members/residents and incorporate a variety of traditional practices such as sweat lodge, wellbriety groups, talking circles, drum groups, and proper protocols to gather and use of traditional medicines, etc. 
• Assist and support on site staff with de-escalation and crisis intervention as requested and needed.
• Assist organizational leadership as needed in building the network of traditional healers who can provide specific ceremonial support and guidance for residents/members as they request. 
• Work with the Chief Traditional Officer and Executive Director to develop culturally appropriate pre and post surveys for resident/member engagement in TMH programming that include assessment of housing stability and overall sense of health and wellness of residents/members.
• Ensure reporting requirements are met via pre/post survey delivery and attendance at TMH groups and activities.
• Develop a CSC approved network, of clinical mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers for external referral as requested by resident/members.
• Manage & support the harvesting or acquiring of traditional medicines for wellness activities as well as the proper use and preparation of medicines.
• Participate in regular TMH program check ins and team meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Participate in mandatory staff meetings and activities as requested 
• Previous work experience with American Indian/Alaska Native population
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidentiality with client information

Education and Experience:

• No educational or licensure requirements
• Strong background in traditional ceremonial, cultural, and medicine practices
• Lay counseling, peer support, or other mental health support experience

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: work at a stationary work space for long periods of time, with mobility to move throughout the office; use a PC, constantly reaching with hands and fingers and keyboarding extensively; work with team as frequent communication is required, including use of the telephone; be able to read and write documents in hard and electronic copy, including those requiring great attention to detail; have the physical strength and agility to handle routine office tasks and machinery. Occasional travel may be required for certain employees depending on location.

  This position is typically in an office environment with desktop business equipment and frequent telephone calls. Noise level is moderate. Frequent interruptions are common, while under deadlines and time constraints.

Most positions at CSC are exposed to members of the community who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to: domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients. Mental health care referrals for employees is available. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Chief Seattle Club is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. It is Chief Seattle Club's policy not to discriminate against employees and applicants based on race, color, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law, with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion and other terms and conditions of employment. All employment decisions shall be consistent with the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Chief Seattle Club is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.