GENERAL SUMMARY

The Enrollment Officer is responsible for processing, evaluating, and maintaining enrollment records for the Nisqually Indian Community. This role ensures the accurate application of tribal enrollment criteria through document verification, genealogical research, and blood quantum calculation. The Enrollment Officer serves as a key point of contact for enrollment-related services and supports the work of the Enrollment Manager, Enrollment Committee, and other tribal programs.

This role requires maintaining confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of records, and fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and community members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional customer service, are essential. Regular attendance is required, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. A professional, well-groomed appearance is expected at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of the responsibilities assigned to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Application Processing and Review

• Receive, review, and process all enrollment applications in accordance with the Nisqually Constitution and enrollment policy.
• Conduct detailed investigations and genealogical research to verify blood quantum and family lineage.
• Determine if applications meet minimum eligibility criteria; prepare summaries and recommendations for the Enrollment Committee.
• Draft official correspondence regarding enrollment decisions (approval, denial, pending).

Recordkeeping and Database Management

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of enrollment records, including digital and paper files.
• Maintain and update the master and supplemental tribal rolls.
• Input and retrieve data in the Progeny enrollment system; generate reports as needed.
• Issue Certificates of Indian Blood (CIB) and letters of descendency.

Tribal and External Coordination

• Serve as the department's primary point of contact for enrollment verifications related to services such as health care, education, voting, elder services, and per capita eligibility.
• Complete and respond to tribal membership verification requests from agencies (e.g., DSHS, BIA, other tribes).
• Support Enrollment Committee meetings by preparing documentation and responding to questions regarding eligibility, records, or precedent.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare accurate reports for Tribal Council, General Council, Enrollment Committee, and federal agencies as needed.
• Provide respectful and culturally sensitive assistance to applicants, families, and Tribal members regarding enrollment processes and requirements.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling personal, genealogical, or sensitive family information.

Support Functions

• Act as backup to the Enrollment Assistant and support the Enrollment Manager as needed.
• Participate in trainings and meetings to stay current with policy updates, system improvements, and best practices.
• Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned to support Enrollment operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Associate's degree AND at least 2 years of professional experience in a position requiring a high level of confidentiality (such as government services, health care, human resources, legal, finance, or similar); OR Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience, including Tribal government, community programs, or administrative roles that required strict confidentiality, accuracy, and record management.
• Demonstrated ability to calculate blood quantum using basic mathematical functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals).
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise. This position reports to the Enrollment Manager.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge

· Tribal enrollment policies, constitutional membership criteria, and federal tribal documentation standards.

· Genealogical research methods, tribal family lineages, and historical records interpretation.

· Data management systems including the Progeny database.

· Microsoft Office applications and standard office procedures.

· Cultural awareness and respect for diverse family structures and enrollment customs.

Skills

· Strong research and analytical skills for verifying family lineage and blood quantum.

· Proficiency in using software for data entry, document tracking, and report generation.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially when addressing sensitive topics.

· Mathematical proficiency in performing calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages to determine blood quantum accurately.

· Skilled in drafting clear and professional letters, forms, and reports.

Abilities

· Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion in handling tribal member data.

· Establish and maintain respectful working relationships with staff, Tribal members, and external agencies.

· Understand and explain complex enrollment criteria in a way that is clear and culturally sensitive.

· Work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.

· Interpret historic documents such as census rolls, BIA records, and military or church records.

· Work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends when necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.