Wayfinders Middle School Specialist

Exemption Status: Non- Exempt

Pay Grade(s): 8/9

Purpose:. This position is responsible for delivering both direct and indirect services to youth and their families. Responsibilities include conducting intakes, performing assessments, and facilitating programming. The role emphasizes the use of the Developmental Relationships Framework to foster meaningful connections and promote positive outcomes for youth and families.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Develop and coordinate individualized support teams and activities for youth within a multi-agency, collaborative environment, ensuring alignment with program and grant objectives.   

• Review incoming applications, assess eligibility, and collaborate with the Wayfinders Program Aide  make determinations.  

• Plan, organize, and facilitate youth activities, group meetings, and events such as Compass Gathering, retreats, and cultural activities (e.g., harvesting, gathering). 

• Provide additional support services including goal setting, life skills education, addressing psycho- social-emotional needs, and transportation as needed. 

• Mediate and guide families, fostering healthy relationships and positive outcomes. 

• Assist with various programs aligned with grant objectives to ensure measurable outcomes.   

• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and support, addressing issues like generational trauma and  Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs). 

• Teach life skills, work readiness, and college prep, offering encouragement, support, active listening,  and facilitating problem-solving.  

• Advocate for youth, ensuring tribal representation and cultural relevance in services.  

• Refer participants to external services when necessary.  

• Conduct monthly team gatherings to evaluate the progress and needs of youth participants ensuring  alignment with program goals and objectives. 

• Assist with data collections, documentation, and grant reporting to meet funding requirements.  

• Facilitate an adulting course covering comprehensive life skills, work readiness, and college  preparation.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program objectives.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills: speaking, listening, and writing

• Proficiency in computer skills including, but not limited to MS Office Suite programs

• Ability to implement a variety of programs that meet program and grant objectives, such as life skills, and other similar programs

• Ability to contribute as a team member and work independently

• Ability to assess needs and prioritize tasks

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with youth

• Understanding systems of oppression and systems of poverty

• Familiarity with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) studies

• Knowledge of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency

• Knowledge of Developmental Relationships Framework 

• Understanding of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Associates degree; Equivalent Experience and/or Education may be substituted. 

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a technician, case worker, or in a related field

• Must be 21 years of age with a Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field

• Knowledge of Alaska Native History and Social Justice Issues

• Experience working with Alaska Native youth and families

• Knowledge of Child Development

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Some travel may be required on small aircraft or ferry.  

• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions.  The supervisor will review these if applicable.