What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Specialist position at Gun Lake Tribe?
Job Title: Youth Specialist
Department: Education
Location: Administration Building
Reports to: Education Director
Status/Level: Non-Exempt/Full-Time
Open Date: April 1, 2026
Close Date: April 11, 2026
SUMMARY
The Youth Specialist supports the growth and empowerment of Gun Lake Tribal youth by developing and delivering culturally grounded programming rooted in the tribe’s Core Four Principles-Leadership, Recreation, Community Service, and Wellness. This role plans and implements a full range of youth programming, ensures safe and supportive environments, mentor youth, guides youth council initiatives, and incorporates Gun Lake Tribe values into all activities. The Youth Specialist also builds strong relationships with families, Tribal departments, and community partners while conducting outreach, organizing events, and facilitating youth council board meetings, talking circles, and community meetings.
In addition, the Youth Specialist manages program logistics, budget support, and documentation; ensures compliance with FERPA and mandated reporting; assists with youth policy development; and produces accurate reports and communications such as newsletter content and calendar of events.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university in Education, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Communications, Native American Studies, Organizational Development/Leadership or related field and one (1) year of experience in Education, Youth Services, or related field or;
- Associate’s Degree in Education, Human Services, Social Science, Native American Studies, or related field and three (3) years of experience in Education, Youth Services, or related field or;
- High School Diploma or GED and five (5) years of experience in Education, Youth Services, or related field
- Demonstrated successful experience working with youth and/or young adults
- Working knowledge of Bodewademi/Anishinabe culture and traditions
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be insurable
- Must have multi-disciplinary computer/software skills including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:
Youth Program Planning & Implementation
- Plan and implement a full array of youth services including cultural workshops, health and wellness activities, college visits, elder/youth events, community service events, youth conferences, and more.
- Ensure that positive youth development principles, along with Gun Lake Tribal values and culture, are integrated into all activities.
- Develop and maintain a physically and emotionally safe space for Tribal youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Appropriately mentor, motivate, and advocate for Tribal youth as needed.
- Conduct outreach, recruitment, and retention for all youth programs and services.
- Make necessary referrals to departments, agencies, and other service providers.
Community & Relationship Development
- Develop a community network of partners that enhances existing programs or helps create new youth programs and activities.
- Build and maintain positive professional relationships with Tribal Citizens, Tribal departments, project partners, and outside organizations.
- Facilitate youth forums, talking circles, parent/community meetings, and meetings with other youth-oriented organizations.
- Participate in Tribal events, including the Annual Membership Meeting and other required events.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of special projects and events involving the Education Department.
Program Administration & Compliance
- Comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Tribal policies, and departmental confidentiality standards.
- Act as a mandated reporter when required.
- Assist in preparing, monitoring, and maintaining the program budget, anticipating financial needs.
- Support purchasing processes, including supply procurement, travel booking, payment requisitions, documentation collection, and tracking internal paperwork.
- Maintain program files, including applications, youth waivers, health information, and attendance records.
- Assist in creating and revising youth policies.
Communication, Reporting & Data Management
- Coordinate creation of a monthly youth newsletter and calendar of events.
- Conduct program assessments and collect program data.
- Accurately produce all required program reports.
- Present and share data, program updates, and project information at meetings and conferences.
- Attend required meetings, provide leadership when appropriate, and participate in work groups or committee assignments.
Professionalism & Representation
- Practice, support, and promote Gun Lake Tribe professionalism, ethics, and standards.
- Always represent the Youth Council Program and the Tribe in a positive and culturally respectful manner.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Youth Engagement & Cultural Competency
- Ability to connect with youth, respect youth culture, and share power to foster youth-led processes.
- Understanding of Gun Lake Tribal customs, with enthusiasm for fostering cultural traditions for future generations.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to start initiatives independently.
- Strong oral and written communication abilities, including writing reports, business correspondence, and policies.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Organizational & Leadership Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Experience with youth-led organizing efforts, campaigns, meetings, and events.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adjust to changes professionally.
- Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers.
- Ability to apply feedback to improve performance.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
- Ability to take appropriate action in stressful or emergency situations.
- Ability to develop innovative ideas and approaches to program delivery.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and be insurable
- Must possess a valid Chauffer’s license, or ability to obtain within four weeks of employment, reliable transportation, and be insurable
- Ability to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends when necessary
- Ability and willingness to travel as necessary; locally and out of town, including overnight stays, to attend various conferences, trainings and meetings
- Must be first aid and CPR certified, or ability to become certified withing four weeks of employment
- Must meet standards of character under PL 101-630, section 408, Character Investigation, subsection (a) and PL 101-647, section 231, Requirement for Background Check, subsection (c)
- Position requires manual dexterity to operate computers and other office equipment
SECURITY SENSITIVE
This position will have access to information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug/alcohol test.
NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE
The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
The Gun Lake Tribe offers a competitive base salary and the best benefits package around.
- Medical, dental, vision and telehealth coverage for employee and all dependents, with no employee premium!
- Paid Time Off and 16 paid Holidays
- Short-and-long term disability coverage
- Life insurance for the employee, spouse and their dependents
- 401K/Roth retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Wellness Program
- Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC and Flexible Spending Account, additional life insurance
- On-site gym, free memberships for entire household
- One hour paid lunch break
TO APPLY
You are required to register and apply through our online employment portal to be considered for this position.
https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/employment/
If you require assistance or to apply in person, please call 269.397.1780 to schedule an appointment.