Education Pathways Coordinator

The Education Pathways Coordinator supports implementation of the Samish Indian Nation’s P.L. 102‑477 Career \& Education Pathways Program (CEP) by working directly with participants, youth, employers, education partners, and internal CEP 477 staff to strengthen education‑to‑employment pathways.

This position is responsible for outreach to employers and education/training partners, supporting participants in developing and completing individual education pathways plans, coordinating group‑based learning opportunities, and collaborating with other CEP 477 staff to design and deliver training and skill‑building courses such as financial literacy, budgeting, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and college readiness.

The Education Pathways Coordinator also supports youth education initiatives, including assisting with development and delivery of Samish history, culture, and sovereignty curriculum in coordination with Citizen Services leadership and education partners, and organizing youth activities that promote career exploration, workforce readiness, and post‑secondary planning.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
• Flexible work schedule
• Health insurance including medical, dental \& vision
• Life, AD\&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual \& Sick Leave
• Paid holidays (up to 16\+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement \& cultural leave
• Wellness \& Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Evaluations with potential wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually

Principle Duties

• Works directly with Career \& Education Pathways 477 (CEP) participants to support development and implementation of individual education pathways plans aligned with education, training, and employment goals.
• Assists participants in identifying and accessing education, credentialing, and training opportunities, including short‑term training, certificates, post‑secondary education, and skill‑building programs.
• Coordinates with the Support Services Specialist to ensure education pathways align with eligibility determinations, supportive services, and required documentation.
• Conducts outreach to local and regional employers, education institutions, training providers, and community partners to identify education‑to‑employment opportunities for participants.
• Builds and maintains partnerships that support work‑based learning, internships, training cohorts, certifications, and credential programs.
• Coordinates employer‑informed education pathways that align participant training with workforce demand and career opportunities.
• Coordinates and facilitates group‑based classes, workshops, and learning cohorts for CEP participants.
• Collaborates with the Education Pathways Director, Career Development \& Job Placement staff, and other CEP team members to develop and deliver training content, including: Financial literacy and budgeting; Employment and career readiness skills; Entrepreneurship and small business fundamentals; Life skills and education planning.
• Assists with scheduling, participant communication, materials preparation, and logistical coordination for classes and workshops.
• Supports youth education initiatives that strengthen student engagement, identity, and future readiness in alignment with Citizen Services priorities.
• Assists with development and coordination of Samish history, culture, and sovereignty learning content for youth programming and school‑based partnerships, under the direction of the Education Pathways Director.
• Plans and facilitates youth group activities connected to education and workforce pathways, including: Career readiness (job exploration, workplace expectations, resume basics, interview practice); College readiness (post‑secondary options, application support, financial aid and scholarship navigation, campus visits or virtual sessions); Youth workshops, guest speakers, career panels, and exposure activities.
• Works with other CEP and Samish staff to ensure youth activities connect to education pathways planning and documented outcomes where applicable and track participant and youth engagement in education pathways, group learning activities, and training programs.
• Maintains accurate documentation to support P.L. 102‑477 reporting, monitoring, and compliance.
• Participates in cross‑program meetings to support integrated service delivery across education, workforce, and support services.
• Works collaboratively with CEP program staff and other Samish Departments to identify participant and youth needs, service gaps, and opportunities for new education or training offerings.
• Supports continuous improvement of education pathways through feedback from participants, youth, employers, and partners.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in education, workforce development, human services, business, or a related field; or three (3\) years experience working in education, workforce development, youth programming, training coordination, or participant support roles
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize activities, and work collaboratively across teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic file management systems, including accurate data entry and document tracking.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to provide high‑quality, culturally responsive customer service to Tribal citizens.
• Familiarity with public assistance programs, education support services, or barriers to self‑sufficiency, including financial, educational, and employment‑related challenges.
• Must possess the ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
• Must possess a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Must have the ability to provide high\-quality customer service.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to meet the minimum insurance requirements regarding driving record in order to utilize GSA vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2\) to four (4\) years of experience facilitating or supporting group learning, workshops, or youth activities.
• Working knowledge of working with American Indian and Alaska Native people with disabilities.

\\Obtaining full COVID\-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees\*\*

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 20lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork\-handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye\-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Occasionally works alone without benefit of supervisor or co\-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.) Random drug tests may be performed.

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry. Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473\.

CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual. Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter. Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring. BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre\-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position. The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.