Education And Training Voucher Tribal Liaison (Ps3) - Multiple Locations - Statewide

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Education and Training Voucher Tribal Liaison | Program Specialist 3 (PS3)

Location: Statewide, WA - Full-Time/Permanent/Hybrid. This position mostly works from home with frequent travel to other DCYF offices or other agency buildings.

Closes: Friday, March 7th, 2025

Salary:$4,740 - $6,384 Monthly

Are you passionate about supporting tribal communities and empowering tribal students to achieve academic success? We are looking for an Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Tribal Liaison to join our Education Team within the Partnership, Prevention and Services (PPS) Division, who has in-depth experience working in or with tribal communities - whether as a tribal member or through extensive collaboration in a tribal environment. This experience is the most important qualification and is key to ensuring equitable access to education for tribal students. 

We believe in racial equity and social justice, and we want to create a diverse and equitable workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Studies have shown that women, people of color, and people with lived experience are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this role but you think your education and/or experience might not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.  

The Opportunity:

In your role as the Education and Training Voucher Tribal Liaison, you will serve as a crucial link between the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program and tribal child welfare agencies in Washington, fostering collaboration and communication. Your primary responsibility in this position, is to ensure that Tribal students eligible for ETV funding receive the support they need. This role requires a deep understanding of Tribal cultures and protocols, coupled with familiarity with the ETV application process. As the incumbent of this position, you will be a direct contributor to DCYF's goal of empowering students to achieve academic success.

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct in-person meetings and visits with Tribal communities throughout the state to establish trust and rapport. 
• Provide accurate and timely information to Tribes regarding ETV Program eligibility criteria, application procedures, and available resources.
• Facilitate meetings and discussions with Tribal representatives to discuss ETV Program eligibility criteria and application processes.
• Collaborate with Tribal communities to identify barriers and challenges faced by Tribal students in accessing ETV Program funding.
• Develop culturally sensitive materials and resources, through collaboration and consultation with Tribal partners, to ensure clear communication with Tribal communities.
• Coordinate outreach efforts to ensure that Tribal students are aware of their eligibility for ETV Program funding.
• Establish and nurture relationships with Tribal leaders, Tribal child welfare agencies and key partners in Washington.
• Attend advisory groups and other relevant committees related to Tribal Child Welfare and Education.
• Assist students and families in navigating the ETV application process, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Collaborate with the ETV program manager to process applications and ensure timely disbursement of funds to eligible Tribal students.
• Maintain detailed records of interactions with Tribal communities, including meeting minutes, correspondence, and feedback received.

Required Qualifications:

• Equivalent education and experience totaling six (6) years in planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, Tribes, organizations, and/or levels of government. 

OR

• Associate's degree AND four (4) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, Tribes, organizations, and/or levels of government.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, Tribes, organizations, and/or levels of government.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Experience working with Tribal Communities: Prior experience working directly with Tribes, either through employment, volunteer work, or community involvement.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrated deep understanding and respect for Tribal cultures, customs, and protocols, demonstrated through practical experience within Tribal communities. 
• Relationship Building Skills: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with Tribal leaders, members, and partners. 
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including Tribal communities, state agencies, and advisory groups.
• Community Engagement: Previous experience in community engagement activities such as organizing events, facilitating meetings, or participating in traditional cultural practices within Tribal communities.
• Collaborative Approach: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners to achieve common goals, while respecting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
• Commitment to Equity and Social Justice: Demonstrated strong commitment to promoting equity and social justice, particularly in the context of Indigenous communities and education.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to identify challenges and develop creative solutions in collaboration with Tribal partners and partners.
• Passion for Empowering Tribal Youth: Demonstrated skills and ability to support the educational aspirations and success of Tribal youth, with a focus on increasing access to resources and opportunities.

How do I apply? 

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Resume (updated/current)

Suppleme
ntal Information: 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.  If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Incumbent must hold a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately-owned vehicle on official state business.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at veronica.jones@dcyf.wa.gov. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.   

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

2025-00691