Program Assistant

Position Summary

This position provides support and assistance to the Project Coordinators in the Health Systems Development department. The Program Assistant supports initiatives by coordinating training, scheduling site visits, arranging staff travel, and maintaining communication with participating Tribal Health Programs. Additionally, the position supports the development of brochures and educational materials to communicate the purpose of initiatives to the Indian community at large and, specifically, to potential partners under the Project Coordinators program grants.

Essential Functions

Responsible for providing support and assistance to the Health Systems Development team in such matters as:

1. Providing support and assistance to Project Coordinators with:

• Screening telephone calls and providing support to clinic staff regarding dental workplan activities.
• Arranging site visits and continuing education training, including hands-on course training sessions, and state-mandated certifications.
• Supporting the development of newsletters and educational materials to communicate program initiatives to participating Tribal and Urban Indian health centers.
• Collecting data and distributing needs assessments, progress surveys, and other surveys as needed for oral health measurable outcomes.
• Assisting with fiscal duties, including coordinating with Tribal and Urban Indian health centers for reimbursements and tracking financial expenditures.
• Supports the CRIHB HSD team in planning the annual conferences

1. Overseeing software licenses, including monitoring expirations and assigning licenses as needed.
2. Perform special projects and other assignments as requested
3. Regular and predictable attendance.
4. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license and ability to be insurable under CRIHB's automobile insurance. 
2. Position my require occasional overnight travel within CRIHB's service area.
3. Requires the ability to drive up to seven (7) hours a day.

Qualifications

CRIHB recognizes that an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible leadership experience may be considered. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all applicants.

1. Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, or a closely related field; and
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in providing social service support services to low-income families having diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• At least one (1) year in a related technical or functional area.
• Must have hands-on experience with Tribal or State programs.
• Independent decision-making and subject matter knowledge.

Applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree (but meet the high school minimum requirement) must have at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating comparable scope and responsibility. This must include at least two (2) years in a related, specialized function.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to communicate effectively with representatives of Tribal Health Programs.
2. Must have prior working experience creating and/or maintaining query-driven databases.
3. Knowledge of office management, problem-solving management techniques, and the ability to coordinate organizational resources.
4. Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
5. Experience with Tribal health systems, nonprofit organizations, or public-sector accounting preferred.
6. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced MS Excel functions, Office 365 applications, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and mathematical calculations.
7. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy and accountability.
8. Demonstrated time management and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
9. Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and American Indian self-determination.

Cultural Competency 
This position requires an awareness and a profound respect for American Indian / Alaska Native traditions, customs, and socioeconomic contexts. It also requires the ability to work effectively with Tribal organizations, demonstrating tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters. 

Indian Preference 
Preference in hiring is extended to qualified American Indians or Alaska Native applicants in accordance with CRIHB’s Indian Preference policy, as provided under Title 25 U.S.C. § 5307(b). This policy ensures that qualified Native applicants receive priority consideration in the hiring process. However, the final selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates’ qualifications, experience, and alignment with the specific needs of the position. Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verifiable documentation of their status, such as certification from their Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable proof of Indian heritage as required by CRIHB. 

Notice: Sovereign Immunity 
Please take notice that sovereign immunity extends to CRIHB as an inter-tribal organization and arm of its consortium tribes and Tribal organizations. CRIHB is not governed by California’s labor laws, including the state’s wage and hour laws or its Family Medical Leave, and Pregnancy Leave laws and regulations. The CRIHB’s utilization of certain state family medical and pregnancy leave benefits, or any other benefit, is discretionary and shall not be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of the CRIHB. The CRIHB may provide information and documents that reference state laws or regulations from time to time, and in the event of inconsistency or conflict, the CRIHB’s policy shall govern. The CRIHB disclaims jurisdiction of any state enforcement. Nothing herein or otherwise shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity of the CRIHB.