JOB GOAL

The Native American Education Specialist promotes and enhances the student’s overall academic experience by providing services to students and their families which strengthen home/school/community partnerships and alleviate barriers to learning. The Native American Specialist will help students to overcome problems that impede learning by assisting them in the self-understanding, decision-making and adjusting to school, personally and academically. The Native American Specialist will assist parents and teachers in understanding and creating a positive partnership in their student’s education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Serve as a site-based liaison, facilitating referrals to community agencies to meet the needs of students and families
• Plan, implement and oversee parent/family activities, trainings and programs to improve student academic achievement and parent involvement
• Work with school personnel and community resources to develop and coordinate services to meet the identified special needs of students
• Provide information to the parents/families in order to improve home-school communication
• Provide positive reinforcement to acknowledge student’s academic growth
• Make referrals for students and parents/guardians to appropriate resources within the school community
• Communicates orally and in written form to Native American parents, district staff and community stakeholders regarding the grant through (e.g. newsletters, phone calls, parent meetings, data, reports, etc.) for the purpose of dispersing information on resources, events, academic and social needs of students and families
• Maintain written records and protect their confidentiality
• Maintain daily calendar and student contact log to document services
• Assist in implementing site level educational programs including character development for students
• Assist school personnel in identifying student in need of supportive or special services
• Coordinate and maintain community outreach projects/resources by participating and acting as lead in assigned committees
• Coordinate a variety of activities (parent meetings, cultural activities, academic events, grant planning meetings, etc.) for the purpose of dispersing culturally appropriate information, resources information and strengthening parental involvement in student's education
• Monitor all the Indian Education Title VI Grant (data collection, reporting, goal development, bringing awareness of program through recruitment, monitoring proposals, budgets and expenses, etc.) for the purpose of increasing academic achievement among Native American students in the district.
• Continue professional growth to maintain knowledge of skills related to job functions and timely topics
• Facilitate families’ understanding of school policies and help families utilize school services
• Assist in translation between school personnel, students, parents, and community members
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Education and/or Experience 

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in education, Native American studies, or other closely related fields (preferred)
• One (1) year of working in a culturally diverse setting
• Valid AZ DPS fingerprint clearance card
• Knowledge of school, district, and community resources available for students and families
• Must be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s license