Indigenous Wellness Project Coordinator

Job Code: 11-9151 Salary: $42,536.00 - $93,350.40

Exempt: Exempt, Full-time, term-end: 12/31/2025 Location: Health Services

Department: Mental Health Reports To: Mental Health Director

Telecommute: Yes Fleet: Yes

The purpose of the Akwesasne Indigenous Wellness Program is to provide both direct behavioral health and traditional medicine supports to the SRMTHS Mental Health School-Based Satellite Clinics located within the Salmon River Central School District for all indigenous youth ages 24 and younger. The primary role will be to ensure that the vision and goals of the Akwesasne Indigenous Wellness project are maintained throughout the project life cycle through oversight, planning, and implementation.

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the SRMTHS Mental Health Director, the Indigenous Wellness Project Coordinator will oversee project and grant activities, support client care, incorporate traditional teachings and values into all aspects of the program and provide supervision to the Student Ambassador staff, who provide Peer to Peer support to indigenous children and youth of the school district.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Indigenous Wellness Project Coordinator will work within guidelines of Indian Health Services as well as Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Health Services Mental Health Program, Salmon River School District, and New York State Office of Mental Health standards of care, policies and procedures and, internal control standards and objectives by performing the following duties:

• Maintain confidentiality according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
• Assist with suicide prevention initiatives, expanding “Culture As Prevention” behavioral health services for Akwesasne youth ages 24 and younger, and their families.
• Maintain and review client records and other required reports.
• Outreach and Screening: Oversee and provide mental health information and screenings at Head Start, local schools, Akwesasne Girls and Boys Club, and community events.
• Facilitate Indigenous focus groups and community talking circles/meetings when needed.
• Work with Mental Health team to promote outreach and engagement of youth and their families into services.
• Assist the School- Based Therapist with client care of our indigenous youth in the school setting.
• Participate and assist with grant activities, planning meetings and evaluation, attending webinars and trainings, including travel to grantee meetings, if necessary.
• Attend the Akwesasne Suicide Prevention Committee and other meetings regarding youth.
• Work with existing key partnerships of the SRMTHS Mental Health Program on Suicide Prevention Programing which includes Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club and the ACDP Teen Clubhouse.
• Work with Mental Health Director to ensure clinics operations and NYSOMH standards of care are met.
• Supervise the Indigenous Wellness Pilot Project Ambassador directives for the Salmon River School district.
• Supports client referrals to Traditional Medicine providers, as well as helps facilitate client and family access to traditional cultural practices, and as required, access to other community health programs, cultural supports, and harm reduction services.
• Supports Peer initiatives by participating in relevant credentialing to provide Peer Specialist services, as part of organizational initiatives to incorporate Peer services into the school satellite clinic.
• Tracks referral and program access data utilizing word processing, email, and spreadsheets, or is willing to learn or develop these skills.
• Work with Traditional Medicine Liaisons and other Peers in the Indigenous Wellness Program to provide care that is safe, respectful, and trauma informed.
• Offer emotional support to clients, speak up for their needs, and help build positive relationships with healthcare providers.
• Take part in projects like planning, harm reduction programs, and improvements to health services.
• Share your lived experience to support to help shape better programs and policies for indigenous youth care within the school setting.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide Ambassadors’ supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information and Personal Health Information within Health Services, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED, AND
• Graduate of Akwesasne Cultural Restoration Program (A:se Tsi Tewa:ton)

OR

• Associate’s Degree or higher in Human Services, AND
• One year of experience working with Indigenous children and families providing case management, prevention, cultural restoration services, or in a school or community setting with at-risk youth

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Strong oral and written communication skills required. Must have good computer skills including, Word, and ability to navigate various scheduling and electronic health record programs. Openness in working with traditional/spiritual approaches regarding behavioral health issues. Ability to do presentations, represent the mental health program and connect with people. Familiarity with Akwesasne Community. Interest in obtaining additional training/education in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. Motivated, caring and

compassionate, committed to suicide and substance use prevention, reducing impact of stigma and increasing help seeking behavior.

REASONING ABILITY: Maturity and ability to handle delicate role issues and to respond to crisis.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe strives to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the policy of nondiscrimination based on race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, physical disability, veteran status or any other non-job related factor.

The successful candidate must pass a test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed.

Subject to criminal background and child abuse/neglect checks through the New York State Justice Center and State Central Registry, respectively.