Culture Specialist

ABOUT HL7N

We are a residential treatment center for youth with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, offering outpatient behavioral health and on-site medical services. Located on 55 peaceful acres, we provide a safe, supportive environment grounded in traditional, cultural, and spiritual values. Our holistic program blends Indigenous teachings with evidence-based practices to support healing, growth, and resilience in both Native and non-Native youth, fostering respect, honesty, generosity, and cultural identity.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cultural Specialist is responsible for establishing good rapport with residents.in support of planning, coordinating, and delivering culturally based programming in conjunction with individualized treatment plans for youth in a residential treatment center. The role requires significant hands-on-work such as gathering natural materials, preparing ceremonial spaces, and facilitating cultural crafts. The position also provides cultural training for staff and supports youth in connecting with Tribal mentors and cultural practices during treatment. Effectively provide program functions in accordance with policies and procedures, ensuring ongoing high level of cultural program services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain record of resident participation in activitiesutilizingorganization electronic record system, in adherence to organization documentation timelines.

•  Orient each resident to the culture programing at HL7N, goals andobjectives, ceremonies,advisingprojects, expectations and how the culture program supports and enhances the treatment of residents, within orientation onboarding timeline.
•  Maintain a twelve-week cultural curriculum and other culturally relevant materials that reflect theplateautribal cultures. Work withresidentsontheir respective tribal cultures.
• Coordinates the provision of internal and external cultural resources for the benefit ofthe youthin treatment. This is to include arranging speakers or other cultural guests, field trips, traditional ceremonypreparationi.e.chopping wood, stacking wood, supervising ROP’s, late night and early morning start.
• Administer cultural assessments for new residents, meeting weekly with multi-disciplinary team to discuss progress on treatment goals, cultural needs, complete projects, assignments, upuntil resident transition into aftercare or discharge services. 6. Monitor resident behaviors and uphold classroom management tomaintainan optimumculturally relevant environment in the classroom and designated outdoor learning spaces.
• Followorganizational standard operatingprocedureforacquiringsupplies andtracking inventory, adhering to program budget. Making recommendations forbudget modifications and updates that support best practice.
• Attendmeetings/trainingas assigned.
• Performadditionalduties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must meet the minimum educational and experience requirements for the position and demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant applications.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)required.
• Experience working with Native American Communities or in depth understanding and knowledge of Native American cultures, specifically plateau tribes,required.
• One-year related experience and/or training working withatriskadolescents. We are willing to consider an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Knowledge of cultural teachingappropriatetoassignment, effective behavior management techniques, effective instructional techniques, ability to follow organizational policy and procedure for student safety.
• Proficient in reading, writing and oral communication among residents, careteamand guardians.
• Ability to engage students in a positive and confident manner, be fair and consistent when working with a culturally,raciallyand economically diverse population, adapt to change and remain flexible, organize activities,utilizegood judgement tomaintaina safe learning environment.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft softwareincluding:Outlook, Teams,Sharepoint, Office 365.

PHYSICAL DEMAND 
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; bend, stoop, or crouch; lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; use hands to handle or feel objects and reach with arms; and communicate clearly and effectively in person and by phone. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
Work is typically performed in an indoor, collaborative setting. The noise level is moderate, and interactions frequently involve communication and teamwork beyond basic work instructions.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

For full-time employees (30+ hours per week), HL7N provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, well-being, and financial stability. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting and valuing our team members.

• 100% medical, dental and vision insurance premium is paid by HL7N first of the month after60 daysof employment. 
• Up to $6,000 health reimbursement annually via Navia Debit Card for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. 
• $75,000 life insurance policy and disability benefits, 100%employer-paidafter 90 days (FT EE).
• 22 daysof paid time off (PTO) annually, plus 12 paid holidays and up to 8 sick days per year (after90 dayprobationary period). Employees are eligible for a Wellness Week after one year of employment.
• Employees are eligible for a 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 6% employer contribution after 12 months of employment, contingent upon working at least1,000 hours. 
• HL7N qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is not intended to list all duties or limit responsibilities. The Healing Lodge reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, or requirements as necessary. Every employee is expected to contribute to the success of the organization by performing assigned tasks and assisting as needed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. As a tribal organization operating with an agreement with the Indian Health Services (IHS) and pursuant to our Board’s direction, the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is required by law to provide absolute preference in employment to American Indians and Alaska Natives who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of the Interior. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for Indian Preference consideration.