TO Student Support Advisor

Open to the Public
Full-Time
9/16/24-OUF
Days and Shifts: M-F
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of Youth Leadership Manager, engage community youth and families to actively participate in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade academics and events. Meet the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of American Indian students, so that such students can meet the same challenging state student academic achievement standards. All education staff must adhere to mandated reporting laws.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Foster relationships and act as a liaison between local school officials and the youth, families, and overall SCIT community to increase overall academic and social success of the tribal youth.
• Maintain close contact and good working relationships with local school officials
• Attend local school committee meetings and board meetings as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison between local schools and Tribal families.
• Coordinate cultural awareness training for public school staff, students, and families.
• Identify effective training and professional development opportunities in the areas of culture, academics, and motivation in conjunction with Higher Education Manager and Tribal Education Curriculum Instructional Coordinator.
• Identify effective strategies to motivate students to take initiative for their own academic success.
• Identify effective strategies to engage parents in the education of their students.
• Educate and guide students through their PK-12th grade education utilizing data-based decisions, best practices, and researched-based models.
• Provide opportunities and outreach for students and their families regarding school achievement requirements, strategies for success, and overall school experience.
• Develop ongoing youth initiatives to keep students engaged in school-related activities.
• Work closely with tribal students to provide individualized instruction that caters to the strengths, weaknesses and overall educational goals.
• Assist youth in reaching maximum potential through resources which will help in the attainment of individual goals.
• Advocate on behalf of youth regarding their identified needs; provide referrals as necessary.
• Offer guidance and support to students through an established system of positive reinforcement.
• Administer summer Niibing enrichment program for youth that meets the identified educational needs of Tribal Students.
• Work with Youth Leadership Manager to provide monthly articles and program updates to the Tribal Observer and Education Department website.
• Work with department staff in encouraging youth to explore post-secondary opportunities.
• Listen and encourage free expression of student ideas through creative outlets.
• Provide monthly activity reports using quantitative and statistical data.
• Establish productive relationships with other tribes to encourage culture sharing amongst students.
• Collaborate with other SCIT departments for the benefit of students.
• Participate in cultural and academic professional development opportunities.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and all other privacy regulations.
• Provide excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations at all times. Provide solutions for customer concerns and continually focus on customer service as our top priority.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and present a positive, professional demeanor and image at all times.
• The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Contacts/Purpose of Contacts:

• Contact with employees within the organization and members of the community (youth and families).
• Contact with external agencies, schools, youth facilities, jails, and other tribal communities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate`s Degree in Education, Counseling, Business or related field.
• Must be able to pass background check to meet the employment eligibility requirements as they pertain to the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth.
• Experience with local school programming, requirements and policies.
• Experience working with native communities.

License, Certification, or Special Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within probationary period.
• Must have a valid State of Michigan Driver`s License with the proper designation required for the vehicle utilized to perform the job duties; and qualify for coverage by SCIT auto liability insurance carrier. A Tribal Driver's License will also be required if a Motor Pool vehicle is used in the course and scope of the required job duties.
• Must have a current and valid Chauffer's License.
• Native American preference shall apply to all positions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of motivational tactics and how to actively engage youth using positive reinforcement.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of original Anishinaabe teachings and culture.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education, and family support.
• Knowledge of records management procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of student retention and success.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to represent organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence in the community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent use of hands, wrists, fingers associated with computer equipment.
• Required to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally reach with arms and hands.
• Normal visual acuity, ability to talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

• Normal office or school environment.
• May include stressful situations related to school environments.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
• Exposure to childhood colds, viruses.
• Travel may be required.