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.

TRIBAL OUTREACH PROGRAM

Since 1994, the NWRC Tribal Outreach & Assistance Program has successfully linked Native American & Alaskan Natives with the services they need. Serving the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, Sauk-Suiattle, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit tribal community members in Skagit and Whatcom Counties, this valuable program assures elders and people with complex medical needs have access to services and provides technical assistance for programs on and off the reservations.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

The Tribal Program Specialist spends their time coordinating care resources, applications, and referrals for tribal elders in need of care and support services.

The Tribal Program Specialist can often be found in the field, visiting the 6 tribal communities within Whatcom and Skagit County. Building good working relationships with tribal community members, tribal staff, and tribal leadership is a significant part of the job. Good working relationships provides NWRC and the Tribes the opportunity to improve the quality of life for tribal elders by coordinating resources and services that will enhance service delivery to fill in the gaps of need, rather than overlapping services.

The Tribal Program Specialist also provides support to other NWRC case managers, program specialists, and departments who are also working with tribal clients to ensure services are provided in a way that honors and respects tribal culture, and tribal sovereignty.

In addition to coordinating care, resources, and supports to tribal communities, the Tribal Program Specialist participates and contributes to a variety of other boards, committees, and taskforce teams that are all working to make positive social changes, positive impacts, and equitable and accountable social and health care services in Indian Country.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

10-Step Pay Range: $26.85 - $35.04 hourly

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

· 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision for Employee & Dependents, with multiple plan options, including voluntary medical buy-up 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

· 12 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

TO APPLY

Obtain required materials from http://www.nwrcwa.org/employment or by contacting Human Resources at (360) 676-6749. Please submit all application materials, a cover letter and resume to Careers@NWRCWA.org or by visiting our offices. A copy of the complete job description is provided on our website.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent; AND five years of volunteer or paid human services experience; OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in human services 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 communities is highly preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of indigenous traditions, culture, customs, and ways of being.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication and cultural competency which supports the building and maintaining of relationships.
• Ability to manage several tasks at one time with repeated interruptions, in a shared office space, and meet regular deadlines.
• 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.

· Sensitivity to the needs and values that are present in working with diverse groups of people.

· Knowledge of Alzheimer and dementia is desired but not required.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

· Must have a valid WA State Driver License, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.

· Will be expected to 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, etc.

· New employees are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

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 diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.85 - $35.04 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Older adults

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Bellingham, WA 98225: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bellingham, WA 98225