Logo
Native American Connections, Inc.

Education, Employment & Life Skills Specialist (HB Phoenix)

Native American Connections, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003

Save Job

Join Our Team at Native American Connections!

Who We Are Native American Connections (NAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families through affordable housing, behavioral health, and community development services. For over 50 years, we have proudly served Native American and underserved communities in the Phoenix area with culturally competent, trauma‑informed care grounded in respect and tradition.

Our Mission Our mission, grounded in traditional Native American culture, is to reduce health disparities by delivering high‑quality, comprehensive integrated healthcare and providing stable housing throughout the communities we serve.

Why Work With Us When you join NAC, you’re not just taking a job — you’re becoming part of a movement. A movement that values cultural identity, honors resilience, and believes in the power of community. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to healing generational trauma, strengthening families, and building vibrant futures.

What We Do

Behavioral Health Services: Culturally responsive treatment for mental health and substance use disorders including outpatient therapy, residential programs, and youth services.

Affordable Housing: Safe, stable, and supportive housing options — from transitional housing to permanent low‑income housing.

Community Development: Revitalizing neighborhoods and preserving Native heritage through community‑based projects and education.

Our Values Health & Wellness | Quality | Accountability | Growth | Interconnectedness/Belonging | Community

Now Hiring We are seeking compassionate, mission‑driven individuals to join our growing team across various departments including clinical services, housing support, youth engagement, and administrative leadership.

If you’re passionate about social change, cultural advocacy, and serving diverse communities with dignity and care — NAC is the place for you.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Education, Employment & Life Skills Specialist Position Summary The Education, Employment & Life Skills Specialist provides targeted employment and education support to youth in NAC youth housing programs. The position will help youth build skills and connect to resources to secure employment and retain employment. The Specialist will work to improve the educational status of youth by supporting the attainment of a high school diploma, GED or post‑secondary credits/degree. By offering outreach, encouragement, skill building, and support, this position also cultivates and secures a connection with youth, while teaching personal responsibility and independent living skills. The Specialist performs both one‑on‑one support and group‑based work. This position maintains an active caseload.

Responsibilities

Integrate education, employment and life skills curriculum and classes into youth housing program model.

Teaching classes and workshops related to life skills, career education, job seeking skills and other pre‑employment related classes including resumes, development and interviewing skills.

Provide ongoing, goal‑oriented case management and motivational support to youth clients.

Assist youth in setting and achieving educational goals, including completing high school, obtaining a GED, or enrolling in vocational training or post‑secondary programs.

Coach youth participants on handling work‑related issues and promote self‑advocacy.

Assess educational status and interests of youth participants on an ongoing basis.

Work with youth on their individualized educational goals focusing on self‑sufficiency and identify short‑term steps towards reaching these goals.

Monitor and document youth progress using detailed case notes and tracking systems.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective departments.

Establish and maintain external collaborations with individuals and businesses to develop employment opportunities for youth.

Other duties as assigned by management.

Educational / Work Experience Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education or related field required.

Three (3) years’ experience working with youth in career development, job placement capacities, or case management.

Skills Requirement

Strong experience working with employers, youth employment organizations and community groups.

Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth.

General knowledge of the issues facing youth experiencing homelessness.

Solid understanding of the traditional school, post‑secondary, and alternative education systems.

Proficiency in MS Office.

Experience with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) preferred.

Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, teams, managers, supervisors, and vendors.

Demonstrated ability to build rapport and motivate youth while maintaining professional boundaries.

Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

Effective at conflict resolution, problem‑solving, and organizational planning.

Must obtain a Level I fingerprint clearance card within 90 days of hire.

Physical Demands

Able to sit, stand and walk with/without accommodation.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE Preference is given to qualified Native American Applicants in accordance with the Indian Preference Act. If claiming a preference, a copy of valid documentation will be necessary.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE Native American Connections is a drug‑free workplace with safety‑sensitive jobs. Use of alcohol and legal or illegal drugs may impair and alter employees' judgement resulting in increased safety risks, workplace injuries, and faulty decision making. Reporting to work at NAC after use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or abuse of any other substance is absolutely prohibited.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT This position is considered to be exempt for overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws. Non‑Exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per work week.

#J-18808-Ljbffr