American Indian Education - Cultural Family Advocate

To be considered for a position at District 196, candidates must apply directly on District 196's  website at https://www.district196.org/about/employment.  Questions?  Please give us a call at 651-423-7700 or email Alissa.Wendorff@district196.org. 

American Indian Education - Cultural Family Advocate

Work with eligible American Indian Education students and families, to increase and support positive experiences, educational outcomes and cultural learning opportunities. Advise school staff in understanding the culture and perspectives of Indigenous families and act as a liaison between the school district and families in facilitating an understanding of school values and expectations.
 
Qualifications:

1. Minimum of two years post-secondary education in related field; B.A. preferred in education, behavioral sciences, social work, American Indian Studies or related field.
2. Prior experience working with Native American students and their families in an educational setting.
3. Experience working in K-12 school system.
4. Experience working effectively with and understanding the needs of Native American populations.
5. Excellent oral and written communications skills, including cross cultural communication.
6. Experience developing and presenting professional workshops, especially with regards to Indigenous pedagogy and the Minnesota state standards.
7. Experience developing and leading culturally relevant activities such as Dakota & Ojibwe language classes, drum & dance classes and other cultural learning opportunities especially with regard to the L/N/Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples and culture.
8. Available for flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and summer hours.
9. Must have reliable transportation to travel between sites as necessary.
10. Strong interpersonal skills.

 
Job Summary:

1. Knowledge and skills in advising American Indian Education students.
2. Assist in implementation of programs and activities to enhance school engagement, academic achievement and career & college readiness. Activities include student advising, student leadership groups and in school cultural and language learning opportunities.
3. Provide in-school support and advocacy to assist students with cultural adjustment and social emotional development.
4. Help provide lay counseling in a variety of situations and conflicts that may arise due to cultural differences, and refer to professional staff when appropriate.
5. Act as a communication liaison between parents and schools through the use of email, phone calls, and home visits. Facilitate family participation in conferences and other school & district activities.
6. Work professionally and cooperatively with school staff to support student’s full development in the school system and consult with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop intervention strategies to enhance school success.
7. Provide teachers and staff with culturally relevant curriculum & community resources including information on the various Indigenous nations represented in their schools.
8. Inform and educate district staff on issues around cultural competency, equity and inclusion.
9. Represent the district in community organizations and functions. Keep district informed of community concerns.
10. Attend and participate in the Native American Parent Advisory Committee meetings once a month during the school year and bi-annual Tribal Consultation meetings with the Tribal Nations Education Committee.
11. Attendance and participation at American Indian Education events and staff development and/or trainings.
12. Other duties as assigned.