Language Apprentice (Haida)

Job Summary

The goal of KIC’s language program is to revitalize our heritage languages by developing the fluency of younger speakers. All language apprentices must possess a demonstrated commitment to language learning and teaching in his/her personal and professional lives. The Language Apprentice is responsible for assisting in the preservation of the Tribe’s heritage languages through participation in a Mentor-Apprenticeship. The incumbent will also develop existing speaking and writing abilities through conversational practice and assigned language translation and transcription duties. The incumbent is also expected to apply his/her language skills throughout the community, especially at tribal and cultural events and may be called on to demonstrate his/her progress by sharing in a variety of public settings, such as (but not limited to) Tribal Council meetings, Annual Meeting, Elder’s Dinners, and community potlatches. Duties are carried out to fulfill the Language Program’s strategic plan and within established guidelines and policies under the general supervision of the Education & Training Director.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Attends daily mentorship-apprentice sessions, unless other arrangements are pre-approved by the language facilitator.
• Commits to immersion style learning at all times when attending mentor-apprenticeship sessions.
• Maintains the primary responsibility of documenting mentorship-apprentice sessions through use of digital voice, photo, and/or video recordings.
• Utilizes language throughout the workday and in all other possible situations.
• Practices conversation exclusively in heritage language with apprentice I or III.
• Addresses other language learners and teachers in the heritage language at cultural events and in the community.
• Working with apprentice II or III to keep a written record of highlights from daily mentor-apprenticeship sessions, and as specified by the language facilitator.
• Assists in the republishing of KIC language material.
• Keep a language journal to document increased literacy in heritage language.
• Regularly participates in a reporting on self-evaluation in intervals no less than every three months.
• Solicits feedback from language mentor and other language speakers.
• Participates in formal pre and post evaluation testing when directed by the Education & Training Director.
• Develop, create, and produce language learning and instructional material, as specified.
• Maintain organized databases and catalogs of language material, including original documentation.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and patience wen working with language mentors, apprentices, and other language learners and teachers.
• Participate and contribute to weekly language staff meetings.
• Plan and work collaboratively with apprentice II or III to identify work priorities.
• Assist the department in fulfilling other strategic or programmatic goals and grant obligations, as specific by the Education & Training Director.
• Other related duties as assigned

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of heritage language, including orthography, and possesses strong pronunciation or beginner level speaking abilities.
• Ability to learn heritage language in immersion settings.
• Skilled at digital voice, photo, and video recordings.
• Ability to quickly transcribe live and previously recorded language speaking sessions by hand and electronically.
• Ability to develop professional grade products for use in language learning and instruction.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
• Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

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.

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.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually average.

Conditions of Hire

• May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license or capable of obtaining one, as well as be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
• KIC is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures to ensure a safe workplace. Employees must pass a pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for-cause drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• KIC has several positions that must comply with the P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (ICPA); all employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until KIC has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.

This Job Description describes the essential duties and qualifications. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the job duties, responsibilities, or qualifications; management has the exclusive right to alter or add to this job description at any time without notice. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience Required

• Highschool or GED
• At least two (2) years experience learning and/or teaching heritage language.
• A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
• Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record (when DL is required for the job).

Preferred Education & Experience

• Pursuit of Bachelors in Education or Teaching Certification.