Support Services Specialist, Career & Education Pathways

The Support Services Specialist serves as the primary point of entry for citizens accessing services through the Samish Indian Nation’s 477 Career \& Education Pathways Program. This position is responsible for conducting initial 477 intakes, determining program eligibility, processing education assistance awards, and administering General Assistance benefits in accordance with Tribal, federal, and program policies. The Specialist ensures accurate documentation, timely service delivery, and culturally responsive support throughout the intake and assistance process.

Working closely with the Citizen Services Senior Director, Education Pathways Director, and Career Development \& Job Placement Director, this role supports coordinated service planning by connecting citizens to appropriate education, workforce, training, and supportive services. The Support Services Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining program integrity, protecting participant confidentiality, and ensuring that citizens experience clear, consistent, and respectful access to assistance that supports self‑sufficiency and long‑term success.

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

• Greets all clients and visitors warmly in person and by phone and offers information and assistance as needed; monitors the flow of clients and visitors, and explains program requirements, participant rights and responsibilities, and available services in a clear, culturally responsive manner.
• Conducts initial 477 intake interviews with citizens, collects required documentation, and determines eligibility for services in accordance with the Samish 477 Plan and program policies.
• Processes approved education assistance and supportive service awards, ensuring eligibility verification, accurate documentation, and timely payment in coordination with department leadership and finance staff.
• Administers General Assistance applications and benefits, including intake, eligibility verification, documentation review, and compliance with the Tribe’s policies and standards.
• Maintains complete, accurate, and confidential participant case files within required data tracking and reporting systems.
• Coordinates with the Education Pathways Director and Career Development \& Job Placement Director to support appropriate referrals, education‑to‑employment pathways, and service alignment.
• Tracks intake, assistance, and service utilization data to support program reporting, audits, and performance monitoring.
• Assists with preparation of program documentation and data needed for 477 reporting, monitoring, and compliance reviews.
• Provides ongoing communication and follow‑up with participants regarding documentation requirements, award status, and continued eligibility.
• Participates in internal meetings, trainings, and cross‑program coordination to strengthen service delivery and client experience.
• Upholds confidentiality standards, Tribal policies, and ethical guidelines related to participant information and service delivery.
• 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 human services, public administration, education, business, social services, or a related field; or a minimum of three (3\) years of working in a closely related field that involves providing direct client services.
• Experience conducting client intake, eligibility screening, and case documentation, preferably within a 477, General Assistance, education assistance, or similar supportive services program.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2\) to four (4\) years of experience working in Tribal programs, human services, workforce development, benefits administration, intake and eligibility determination, or a related field.
• 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.)

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.