POLICY ASSOCIATE I

SIHB Core Competencies

Core Competencies are foundational commitments and skills that all SIHB staff are expected to develop.  These competencies define common measures for performance that are applied to every role in the organization.

• Commitment to Indigenous and Organizational Values:  Everything we do at SIHB is centered on Traditional Indian Medicine.  It is our responsibility to maintain cultural integrity in all that we do.
• Accountability:  All employees of SIHB effectively manage their own work and the work of their teams.  We take ownership of our actions and decisions.  We all strive to deliver the highest quality work and care, while respecting our teammates and relatives.
• Collaboration:  SIHB is a team-oriented organization. As team members, we share the responsibility of working toward a common purpose. We collaborate with our colleagues across the organization to deliver the highest quality of care and results in alignment with our mission, vision, values and Theory of Change.
• Communication:  We practice effective and clear communication with staff, relatives, teams and community.  We demonstrate empathy among each other and with those we serve, and transparency in our decision making.
• Customer Service Orientation:  All employees of SIHB recognize the needs of the diverse community we serve. We put the needs of our relatives first by delivering the highest quality, professional, responsive, and innovative care. Our relatives come first and deserve the best.

Position Summary:  Under the supervision of the Policy Director, the Policy Associate coordinates public policy and advocacy projects that impact the health and well-being of urban American Indian and Alaska Native people. Responsibilities include project planning, development, or coordination of policy and advocacy projects ranging from healthcare and public health systems to the social determinants of health among urban Indian communities. This may include coordination of projects/events, policy monitoring, external communications, and grant reporting. The Policy Associate may conduct policy research and analysis, support internal working groups, or serve as a point of contact to tribal, community, and government partners at the local to national level.

Organizational Structure/Reporting Relationships:  This position reports directly to the Policy Director and is part of the Government Affairs Team.  This position has no direct reports.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Hold Indigenous values and practices with respect and integrity
• Hold yourself accountable to the highest standard by being resourceful, innovative, creative and solutions-oriented
• Actively participate in organizational activities with the understanding that success is achieved through teamwork.
• Recognize that communication is central to the organization’s success and actively champion your words and actions to maintain respect for others, encourage constructive feedback, be open to share laughter and acknowledge differences in skills and opinions, all while keeping others’ best intentions in mind.
• At SIHB, we refer to our customers as Relatives. Our Relatives come first and deserve the best.  Serve the needs of our Relatives first by delivering the highest quality, professional, responsive and innovative care. 

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research and analysis on urban American Indian and Alaska Native health policy issues – including healthcare systems, public health, and social determinants of health.
• Coordinate scheduling, preparation, and follow-up for outreach and education activities with tribal, government, and community partners.
• Draft content for policy newsletters, website, and other media.
• Maintain electronic files and records, databases, and/or computer tracking systems for project documentation and monitoring.
• Coordinate policy monitoring of local, state, and federal legislative and administrative bodies and political landscapes.
• Compile technical information from various sources and prepare summaries, talking points, memos, and reports.
• Assist in drafting original content for policy reports, letters, public testimony, etc.
• Coordinate and review analytical and narrative documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in the preparation of grant application materials and progress reports.
• Coordinate the preparation and documentation of citations and evidence for policy and advocacy projects.
• Plan and participate in policy and advocacy events and trainings in support of the department and Seattle Indian Health Board.
• Represent the Seattle Indian Health Board at assigned workgroups/committees and make oral presentations utilizing displays and other audio-visual aids, as necessary.
• Assist administrative staff to plan and implement for meetings and advocacy events including managing calendars, preparing agendas and minutes, and hosting both in-person and online formats.
• Work effectively and efficiently with internal staff, partner organizations, vendors, and contractors; and

• Knowledge of health and social issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native people.
• Knowledge of equity-based frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health.
• Public policy, research, and evaluation theory and practice.
• Project management processes.
• Policy analysis and research theory and practice.
• Legislative and administrative processes.
• Legislative and administrative advocacy strategies and processes.
• Written and oral communication and presentation skills; and
• Coordinating work of multi-disciplinary staff.
• Demonstrate cultural competency in working collaboratively with American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

• Demonstrate understanding of structural inequality.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and networking skills, including public speaking, writing, group facilitation, and communicating cross-culturally with diverse partners, and interacting with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiently use software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and ability to learn new software for client management services, scheduling, and financial management.
• Prepare charts, graphs, maps, statistical tables and other visual aids.
• Understand and follow complex oral or written instructions.
• Maintain accurate written records and prepare clear concise written documents.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, colleagues, public officials, representatives of other agencies and organizations, community members and clients.
• Work well under pressure, meet multiple and often competing deadlines.
• Manage multiple tasks, set goals and objectives, and re-prioritize as needed.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; and
• Operate effectively in a team-based environment.
• ·         Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards, when assigned.
• ·         Other job-related duties as assigned

Background Qualifications

Required:  

·         Associates degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Health, or related field.

·         Minimum of two years of work experience in public policy, political science, public administration, public health, or a closely related field OR

·         Associate education in public policy, public administration, public health, or a closely related field, provided that the applicant has demonstrated experience in relevant skills.

·         Experience working with tribes, tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations preferred.

Work Environment:  Office hours are 7am-6pm, 4 days a week, with occasional extra hours for events or to meet deadlines.