Kcitpahsuwet (Youth Engagement) Cultural Educator

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team! If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team! WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation. Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share. Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the State of Maine.

Position Summary:

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness believes youth are essential partners in creating positive community change. The Kcitpahsuwet Cultural Educator will support the planning and implementation of youth engagement, substance use prevention activities, suicide prevention and youth leadership opportunities, emphasizing the role of cultural and traditional knowledge in all programming. Educators will help plan and develop key program strategies to prepare youth to use their voice to make an impact on their communities. The individual in this position would be working within all 5 tribal communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Empower youth to embrace and feel comfortable practicing their culture.
• Works to maintain Wabanaki culture as the focus of all programming
• Promote the development of social and emotional skills, youth empowerment and youth voice.
• Maintain a fun and safe place for all youth to develop a sense of pride, optimism, and belonging.
• Collaborate with team of Kcitpahsuwet educators to develop outreach for youth that live outside of community.
• Facilitate ongoing communication with Tribal Departments, youth programs, schools, caregivers, and youth to develop inclusive programming that best meets the needs of the community.
• Participate in the design and delivery of trainings to middle and high school youth and youth serving partners.
• Implement substance use prevention strategies to ensure messaging and content is integrated into youth programming.
• Coordinate and support Youth Councils, including relationship building with youth programs, youth and their caregivers, recruitment and promotion, evaluation, and support to youth leaders.
• Determine programming options to meet grant deliverables; work with the Kcitpahsuwet Manager on developing new programming options.
• Work as part of the WPHW team to plan and implement youth gatherings.
• Asist with the development, coordination and planning of community events that help to increase a sense of community and connection.
• Contribute to WPHW’s website and social media initiatives, participate in outreach activities, assist with other programming as needed, and participate in WPHW planning and visioning.
• Obtain required trainings and certifications offered through WPHW (ASIST, QPR, BHP, Prevention Specialist, CITI, CPR/First Aid, WFA/WFR/PV facilitator training, etc.).
• Engage with all staff in a collaborative manner.
• Maintains clear communication with the supervisor with the use of email, call/text, Microsoft teams, calendar, etc.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and weekly check-ins.
• Completes all reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• Participates in ongoing needs assessments specific to the community you are working with.
• Collaborates with WPHW divisions to ensure continuous quality improvement within all youth programming.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• University degree or college diploma in public health, health, education or a related field AND two years previous experience; OR
• 4 years of experience in public health, health, education, youth-serving profession, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Deep understanding of Wabanaki Culture and Traditions
• Understanding of Social/Emotional Development along with the willingness and ability to create inclusive programming, and the effective use trauma informed approaches.
• Open to new ways of thinking about youth programming and prevention to meet the needs of the community.
• Ability to adapt quickly to change.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with Tribal communities and in school settings.
• Willingness to learn and facilitate adventure-based activities.
• Able to work outside in inclement weather.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• A strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
• Candidate must be willing to travel with some overnights for trainings, youth retreats, and events.
• Must have a valid Maine Driver’s License, safe driving record and access to reliable transportation.
• All candidates must pass a criminal background check.
• Able to have a flexible work schedule; must be willing to work hours in the evening, weekends, and overnight.
• Able to lift and carry fifty pounds regularly.
  
• Must pass criminal background check.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.