Traditional Cultural Bearer

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for providing curriculum activities and mentoring to staff, students and parents through culturally relevant activities and discussions. Responsible for strengthening CINHS programs through cultural enhancements in all developmental domains.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide culturally relevant mentorship to staff and students;
• Create and implement developmentally appropriate Alaska Native Cultural activities to support the curricula utilized by CINHS.
• Conduct small group cultural activities for students with the assistance of teaching staff and family advocates.
• Participate and/or present in cultural training/activities for staff quarterly or more throughout the year.

2. Consult with Family Program and Educational service staff regarding cultural relevancy.
• Ensure that needs of staff and students are identified and addressed.
• Function as part of a team to ensure that activities in the classrooms, for family night, and other community activities are culturally relevant.

3. Provide direct services to students/parents weekly to develop strong families through culturally appropriate activities.
• Work with the Cultural Coordinator, Education Manager, and Curriculum Coordinator in implementation of appropriate cultural activities. (IE: traditional Language, art, crafts, storytelling and dance)
• Develop and implement opportunities to share traditional values with students and parents that strengthen family ties and model togetherness and responsibility in a fun, engaging manner.
• Teach gathering and stewardship through preservation of traditional values.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

CINHS programs are established for the purpose of serving a primary population comprised of Alaska Natives who are affiliated with the Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI), and Alaska Natives and American Indians within CINHS’s geographical service area. Employees should have a thorough understanding of the culture and needs of Alaska Natives and American Indians. Such knowledge is critical in order to ensure the achievement of the mission of CINHS: Working together with the Native Community.
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Education preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Three (3) years’ experience serving Alaska Native persons.
3. Two (2) years’ experience in education curriculum development and delivery specifically in Alaskan Native cultures and early childhood or elementary education.
4. The ability to teach a basic level of Alaska Native language to young children and adults.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills.
2. Demonstrates ability to function with minimum supervision.
3. Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
4. Extensive knowledge of diverse Alaskan Native cultures and abilities to teach those cultures.(IE: Lesson planning, research, and use of different modalities.)
5. Flexibility with respect to time and days able to work, as well as work tasks.

Would you like to work with children? Are you a current or former Head Start parent? We encourage you to apply! Cook Inlet Native Head Start is a non-profit corporation established solely to operate the Tribal Head Start program, providing early childhood education services as well as quality family related services for the Native population in Anchorage, AK. All position descriptions can be located on our website at www.cookinletnativeheadstart.net or stop by to pick up an application. You can apply electronically at our website or turn in your application to the front desk (6901 E. Tudor Rd). We offer a competitive benefits package, 401k participation, and compensation based on education and experience. Cook Inlet Native Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
May be exposed to communicable diseases. Safety precautions for employees such as blood drawing for screening of various diseases such as hepatitis, required immunizations, etc. are necessary. Occasionally subject to verbal abuse, threats, and physical violence from angry, hostile, or disgruntled patients and/or family. The work requires sitting at work station to perform administrative duties. Requires routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40lbs. Must be able to work under physically and emotionally stressful conditions. Travel may be required.

compensation: $22.00-$27.00/hour DOE or Education Credential
employment type: full-time
job title: Traditional Cultural Bearer

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