Youth Council Coordinator - Native Leadership & Prevention

Department: Wellness & Prevention

Reports To: Children & Youth Services Manager

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Position Summary: The NATIVE Youth Council Program Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of The NATIVE Project’s NATIVE Youth Council program for youth in grades 6–12. This position helps promote youth leadership, cultural identity, prevention education, healthy decision-making, academic success, and community engagement. The Program Coordinator assists with student recruitment, youth meetings, activities, family communication, school outreach, documentation, and program reporting. This role helps create a safe, welcoming, and culturally supportive environment where youth can build confidence, connect with positive mentors, and strengthen their connection to Native identity, family, and community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Coordinate daily operations for the NATIVE Youth Council program, including meetings, workshops, activities, and community service projects. Support the school-year calendar, curriculum, activity schedule, and program logistics. Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, activities, outcomes, and required documentation. Build positive relationships with youth in grades 6–12 and support recruitment, retention, mentoring, and leadership development. Help youth build life skills, teamwork, communication, decision-making, and community involvement using evidence-based and best practices such as the Social Development Model, Mentoring Model, and more. Encourage youth to stay drug and alcohol-free, engaged in school, and on track to graduate. Support prevention activities focused on healthy choices, substance use prevention, mental wellness, and positive peer relationships. Incorporate culturally relevant teachings, community values, and Native identity into youth programming. Communicate with parents, guardians, schools, tribal programs, and community partners. Represent The NATIVE Project professionally at youth, school, cultural, wellness, and community events. Assist with grant reporting, program summaries, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with the Quality Improvement team to support program effectiveness and compliance with GPRA, UDS, NCQA, and other standards. Work closely with the Children & Youth Services Manager, Wellness & Prevention staff, and other departments. Support other Children & Youth Services activities assigned, including NATIVE Youth Leadership Camp, Community Wellness nights, NATIVE Youth Summer Program, school outreach, and prevention events. Follow organizational policies, safety procedures, mandated reporting requirements, and confidentiality standards.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, social work, public health, prevention, Native American studies, or related field preferred. Experience working with youth, families, schools, tribal communities, or community-based programs preferred. Experience with youth leadership, prevention education, mentoring, cultural programming, or after-school programming preferred. Knowledge of Native communities, urban Indian health, cultural values, and youth development preferred. Ability to build positive relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Strong communication, organization, and follow-through skills. Ability to facilitate group activities, youth discussions, and educational sessions. Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, calendar systems, and data entry. Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and special events as needed. Must successfully complete required background checks, drug screening, and mandatory training requirements. Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to meet organizational driving requirements preferred.

Working Conditions: This position works in office, school, community, and youth program settings. The role may require local travel, standing, walking, lifting supplies, setting up activities, and participating in youth events. Some evening and weekend hours may be required for meetings, community events, camps, and youth leadership activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The NATIVE Project is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.