Employment Specialist

Mn Chippewa Tribe; Minnesota; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mn Chippewa Tribe is hiring an Employment Specialist to promote self-sufficiency among Native American families facing employment barriers. This position is pivotal in providing assessments, counseling, and coordinating access to necessary services.

Ideal candidates will hold an associate’s degree in relevant fields and have at least three years of experience working within Native American communities. Proficiency in data entry and Microsoft Office is required. The position will serve both Cass Lake headquarters and Duluth office.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working directly in the Human Services field with Native American communities.
• Knowledge of and respect for Native American culture.
• Experience in case management and formulation of individualized plans.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments and provide intensive counseling to employment program participants.
• Establish and review continued eligibility for various assistance-based programs.
• Coordinate and monitor services to ensure compliance with employment plans.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Job counseling

Data entry

Problem solving

Education

Associate’s degree in vocational counseling, social work or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Systems

Outlook

Job description

Two (2) positions at the MCT headquarters in Cass Lake, MN and one (1) position at the MCT Duluth office.

Primary Function

The Employment Specialist serves as part of a team of professionals that strive to promote the self‑sufficiency of Native American families with multiple barriers to employment. The Employment Specialist will provide assessments and intensive counseling with participants and coordinate access to programs and services needed for obtaining and maintaining employment.

Duties and responsibilities

Establish and periodically review continued eligibility for the Tribal Employment Program/MFIP and various assistance‑based programs. Conduct in‑depth assessments and provide intensive counseling to Tribal Employment Program/MFIP participants focusing on best practices, ensuring access to employment opportunities, training/education and financial/food assistance. Refer program participants to other programs that may be needed by the participant to obtain employment. Coordinate and monitor these services to ensure compliance. Evaluate participants’ work history, job skills abilities, training, education and other factors to determine their ability to obtain and maintain suitable employment then develop a mutually agreed upon employment plan. Set goals, steps, tasks, and timelines for completion that are sequential, attainable, and measurable for the participant to achieve self‑sufficiency. Provide ongoing monthly contact with participants to monitor progress and compliance with employment, job search, education/training or other services. Maintain case notes. Maintain participant files to ensure that the plans are in compliance and maintain appropriate information releases as required by the Data Privacy Act and follow strict confidentiality codes. Must take online HIPAA training annually. Serve as a representative of the Tribal Employment Program and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe to the reservations, communities, and Tribal members. May involve public speaking and presentations to participants. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Human Services Director.

Knowledge and Experience

Minimum associate’s degree in vocational counseling, social work or related field. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working directly in the Human Services field with Native American communities, possessing a working knowledge of Indian people, their community, including a knowledge of and respect for Native American culture.

Prefer bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Knowledge of interviewing and skills in job counseling, advocacy, employability assessments, formulation of creative and individualized plans, case management, and problem solving. Must have experience with data entry and proficiency with Microsoft Office Systems and Outlook. Must have a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and the use of a privately owned vehicle for business purposes.

Application Instructions

Send Resume or Application and list of three Professional References to:

The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Attn: Joel Smith, Interim Executive Director