Career Guidance Specialist (External - Deadline 11/26/2025)

THE TORRES MARTINEZ DESERT CAHUILLA INDIANS 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

For Posting Purposes Only

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Self-Sufficiency Coordinator or Family Development Services Manager (“Manager”), will primarily focus on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, “TANF” adult clients by providing tools and resources and assisting with developing individualized academic, career and technical education plans that will prepare clients for self-sufficiency job searching life skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Including but not limited to the following duties and responsibilities.

• Interview and meet with clients to assess personalized and individualized needs to develop career interests and abilities to determine appropriate academic and career goals  
• Assist clients in selecting and preparing for courses, and completing various employment and educational packets and applications
• Coach and counsel clients and discuss personal concerns, challenges, opportunities, and options  
• Meet with clients on a regular basis to track progress or lack thereof
• Direct and oversee TWEX program including all required work permits and employment documentation
• Facilitate workshops on skill development and employment readiness including Expungement and other related topics
• Communicate with program personnel and various outside organizations to exchange information, coordinate activities and strategically resolve issues or concerns
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned cases
• Attend and conduct a variety of meetings as assigned  

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Attend mandatory trainings 
• Attend meetings as required by position
• Travel as required to perform duties
• Perform related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Native adult challenges, trends, and current issues  
• Project management and presentation skills
• Record-keeping techniques
• Telephone etiquette
• Correct English usage; grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Conflict resolution practices

ABILITY TO: 

• Develop and facilitate classes, events, activities, and workshops
• Assess and develop adult educational and career plans
• Apply cultural sensitivity to Native American programs
• Understand current challenges and needs of Native clients  
• Maintain confidentiality  
• Apply effective time management and meet critical timelines
• Follow directions and instructions effectively
• Interpret, apply, and adhere to related laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Apply interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy  
• Gather facts, analyze information, and draw sound conclusions
• Solve conflicts strategically
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports
• Coordinate staff and other departments based on projects, as needed
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and software

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: An equivalent combination of education and

related work experience may be considered. Two (2) years of related work experience will be equal to 30 college credits and vice versa.

• Associates in Arts Degree required in Sociology, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Human Services or related field and two (2) years of related experience in social services programs, providing job placement, educational advice or career guidance to clients OR
• College credits of at least 30 credits in Sociology, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Human Services and two (2) years of related work experience and two (2) years of related experience in social services programs, providing job placement, educational advice or career guidance to clients OR
• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate required and four (4) years of related work experience and two (2) years of related experience in social services programs, providing job placement, educational advice or career guidance to clients 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:  To perform and to continue to be qualified for this position, the requirements listed below must be met at a time of hire or may be obtained within a specific amount of time depending on the position requirements. Costs for required certifications, licenses, and registration are to be covered by employee, unless offered by the Tribe.  

• Must have prior to hire and maintain throughout employment a valid California Class C driver’s license and maintain insurability under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance policy.  
• Requires GSA defensive driving training every two (2) years
• Requires regular contact with or control over Indian children and is therefore subject to the background investigative process to comply with P.L. 101-630  
• Requires throughout employment maintaining a Mandated Reporting Certificate of Training
• Requires throughout employment maintaining a CPR/AED/First Aid Card or Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations 
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard  
• Seeing to read a variety of materials
• Standing and Sitting for extended periods of time
• Walking during site visits.  
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Driving a vehicle to conduct work 
• Outdoor extreme weather conditions 
• Indoor office environment 
• Interacting with difficult people

TMDCI Member/Indian Preference Policy: 

The Tribe shall, to the greatest extent feasible, give preference in employment to Indian applicants who meet the required qualifications in accordance with applicable law, including the TERO Ordinance. “Indian preference in employment” as used in policy, applies in all aspects of the employment relationship including, hiring, termination of employment, promotion, training, and related issues.

Notice of Drug Free Workplace Act Requirements: 

The Tribe is required to implement the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §741).  As such, it is unlawful for employees to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance on the job site.  Employees that are reasonably suspected of violating this Act may be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.  A drug screening test will be given to all applicants prior to employment.

Essential Government Functions: 

All work performed under this job classification is in support of essential governmental functions of the Tribe. 

Employee Acknowledgement: