CHAP Student Support Specialist

About The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) The Northwest Tribes have long recognized the need to exercise control over the design and development of health care delivery systems in their local communities. To this end, they formed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (also referred to as NPAIHB or “the Board”) in 1972. Guided by a vision of “Health and Wellness for the Seventh Generation,” NPAIHB is a 501(c)3 designated (non-profit) organization and Tribal organization, P.L. 93-638, under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) serving the 43 federally recognized Tribes in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (Northwest Tribes). Tribes become voting members of the Board through resolutions passed by their governing body. Each member Tribe designates a delegate to serve on the NPAIHB Board of Directors. Led by our Board of Directors, NPAIHB’s mission is to “eliminate health disparities and improve the quality of life of American Indians and Alaska Natives by supporting Northwest Tribes in their delivery of culturally appropriate, high-quality health programs and services.” We have a staff of over 120 professionals dedicated to advancing Tribal health for the 7th generation in the Pacific Northwest. The NPAIHB’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 can be found here. Job Title: Community Health Aide Program Student Support Specialist Reports to: Director of Behavioral Health Education Initial Salary Range: $58,000 – $68,500 annually Benefits: Health, Vision, & Dental Insurance, Retirement Contributions, PTO, and Paid Holidays Classification: Salaried, Exempt Status: Full-Time (1.00 FTE), Regular w/ Benefits Location: Portland, OR Job Summary Position Summary The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Student Support Specialist supports student recruitment, enrollment, education progression, certification, and workforce placement across NPAIHB’s CHAP disciplines, including Behavioral Health Aides (BHA), Community Health Aides (CHA), and Dental Health Aides (DHA). The CHAP Student Support Specialist serves as a central liaison among prospective and enrolled students, Tribal health organizations, Tribal education programs, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and CHAP education and certification partners to strengthen student access, engagement, and successful progression through CHAP pathways. The CHAP Student Support Specialist must have thorough knowledge of project coordination and student support processes and demonstrate strong skills in planning, organization, communication, and implementation. The position requires the ability to coordinate multiple student-facing and program activities, maintain accurate student information and records, support stipend and certification processes, and communicate effectively with students, Tribal partners, and other external partners. The CHAP Student Support Specialist supports NPAIHB’s CHAP team, which provides health systems support and education resources to NPAIHB’s 43 member Tribes. The team includes approximately six (6) staff. The CHAP Student Support Specialist reports to the Director of Behavioral Health Education. This scope of work is housed within the Clinical Division of NPAIHB. This position is based at NPAIHB’s offices in Portland, Oregon and is expected to work on-site in accordance with applicable workplace and telework policies, including attendance at designated in-person meetings and activities. Local travel and overnight travel outside of the area are required. See “Travel Requirements” for more information. Essential Functions Community Health Aide Program Excellence and Success Supports NPAIHB’s Community Health Aide Program in alignment with priorities established by member Tribes, the Strategic Plan, and applicable Tribal, federal, state, organizational, and/or funding priorities Contributes to an organizational culture of professional excellence, integrity, rigor, service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Coordinates CHAP student-support activities among prospective and enrolled students, member Tribes, Tribal health organizations, Tribal education programs, the Indian Health Service, and CHAP education and certification partners to promote coordinated, timely, culturally responsive support, successful student progression, and workforce placement Supports proactive planning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement efforts to identify needs, address barriers, and advance desired outcomes Supports monitoring of emerging needs, trends, risks, opportunities, and external developments affecting the Community Health Aide Program and communicates material information to appropriate staff and leadership Student Support, Recruitment, and Workforce Pathways Supports prospective and enrolled CHAP students across the BHA, CHA, and DHA disciplines through education-program application, CHAP application, enrollment, stipend, certification, and workforce-placement processes, helping identify and address barriers to successful progression through CHAP pathways Prioritizes CHAP student recruitment throughout the Portland Area (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) and supports outreach and engagement with prospective students and Tribal partners Drafts and updates CHAP student recruitment and support materials, including program applications, stipend materials, flyers, and student website content Serves as a primary point of contact for students and partners regarding individual student needs, requirements, and next steps, coordinating follow-up with Tribal higher education programs, Tribal health organizations, the Indian Health Service, the Portland Area CHAP Certification Board, and other education and certification partners as needed Community Health Aide Program Strategy and Development Supports the planning and development of Community Health Aide Program goals, priorities, strategies, work plans, services, initiatives, and resources Supports the implementation of priorities in response to direction from NPAIHB member Tribes, organizational strategic planning, policy developments, evaluation findings, and emerging needs Uses identified needs, opportunities, emerging issues, and stakeholder input to support CHAP program planning, sustainability, development, and improvement Works with the Director of Behavioral Health Education to align Community Health Aide Program activities with Northwest Tribal, federal, and state policy priorities Supports capacity-building strategies based on the needs and priorities of Northwest Tribes and applicable CHAP certification and academic review bodies Community Health Aide Program Operations and Service Delivery Supports the delivery of services and resources for CHAP students and Tribal health partners Supports day-to-day operations and assigned activities in accordance with approved plans, timelines, budgets, policies, and applicable requirements Implements the processes, tools, systems, and resources necessary to carry out Community Health Aide Program activities effectively Escalates operational barriers and supports necessary adjustments to maintain effective and timely service delivery Supports efforts to ensure services, resources, and work products are responsive to member Tribe and other stakeholder needs and are delivered in a timely, culturally appropriate, and high-quality manner Provides staff support to the Portland Area CHAP Certification Board and the Portland Area Behavioral Health, Community Health Aide, and Dental Academic Review Committees, including providing updates on student enrollment, recruitment, and graduation information Project Management and Coordination Supports collaboration among project partners and funding agencies to meet applicable goals, grant requirements, fiscal-period objectives, and NPAIHB Strategic Plan priorities Participates in NPAIHB Tribal Community Health Aide Program meetings and program discussions to organize activities, support program sustainability, and maintain required follow-up Tracks progress against CHAP priorities, activities, deliverables, and deadlines, identifies material barriers or needed adjustments, and communicates relevant information to appropriate staff Facilitates and provides staff support for the Behavioral Health Committee and other assigned CHAP activities during Quarterly NPAIHB Board of Directors Meetings (QBMs), including meeting preparation and coordination of resulting actions Coordinates and organizes Community Health Aide Program events and related activities Compliance and Quality Assurance Supports compliance with applicable funding requirements, organizational policies, certification and academic review requirements, and other standards governing CHAP student-support activities Supports quality-assurance and continuous-improvement practices that respond to the needs and priorities of NPAIHB member Tribes and strengthen CHAP student services Supports adherence to applicable human-subjects protections and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements for clinical research, surveillance, and evaluation activities within the position’s scope Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Assistance Supports relationships with NPAIHB member Tribes, Tribal health programs, the Indian Health Service, government agencies, funders, community partners, consultants, and other stakeholders Represents NPAIHB and its Community Health Aide Program at meetings, conferences, events, committees, and workgroups Participates in stakeholder-engagement activities to gather input, promote participation, strengthen collaboration, and build collective understanding Supports Tribal provider education and student-learning activities within formal education programs and Tribal training structures, as appropriate Supports communication and collaboration across NPAIHB to coordinate CHAP student-support, education, and workforce-development activities and reduce information silos Administrative And Reporting Functions Maintains complete, accurate, and well-organized CHAP program files and supporting documentation in compliance with NPAIHB and applicable external requirements, including securely archiving records as appropriate Maintains calendars, databases, tracking spreadsheets, and other administrative systems with complete and current program and student information Coordinates the secure storage, organization, and maintenance of CHAP student data in accordance with applicable Tribal data sovereignty requirements, working closely with the CHAP Administrative Coordinator to maintain complete and organized student information Tracks and processes CHAP student-support stipends Processes Purchase Orders (POs) and Accounts Payable (AP) invoices for payment and assists with contract finalization Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual CHAP student reports and submits an electronic Monthly Activity Report (eMAR) to the Director of Behavioral Health Education at the end of each month Documents significant activities, decisions, approvals, communications, and follow-up actions as required Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Behavioral Health Education, Tribal Health Systems and Education Director, and/or Executive Director or designee Standards of Conduct Act in service to the Tribes and Tribal communities we serve Uphold the Mission, Values, and Vision of the NPAIHB Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all NPAIHB information and documentation Consistently exhibit professional behavior and a high degree of personal and professional integrity and impartiality appropriate to the responsible and confidential nature of the position Exercise good judgment and initiative in performance of duties and responsibilities Demonstrate self-awareness, sound interpersonal judgment, and constructive communication in the performance of all duties and responsibilities Demonstrate a commitment to learning, innovation, service, knowledge sharing, and the professional development of others, as appropriate to the position Help cultivate an organizational culture that centers NPAIHB’s service to Tribes, promotes professional excellence, and builds an environment where employees grow and thrive Contribute to building an inclusive workplace across a range of identities and experiences, including but not limited to geography, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, class, language, disability, religion, spiritual practices, and immigration status Recognize diversity as a strength, and equity as a baseline Work in a cooperative manner with all levels of management and with all NPAIHB staff Effectively plan, organize workload, and schedule time to meet workload demands Use reasonable judgment to consistently display professional work attire during normal business hours, and/or dress appropriately for the workday, space, or event in lieu of a formal dress code Be present, available, and responsive for meetings and calls during regular working hours Participate actively in virtual meetings and use video when reasonably expected and appropriate, subject to approved accommodations or exceptions Show consideration by communicating effectively and building collective understanding Recognize that relationships are the cornerstone of NPAIHB’s work by treating all NPAIHB Tribal Delegates and Alternates, partners, staff, and American Indian/Alaska Native people with dignity and respect Participate in required NPAIHB meetings, trainings, and organizational activities Qualifications Education Minimum Education Required Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Education, Business Administration, Public Health, or a closely related field In lieu of the minimum educational requirement, at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Tribal health program coordination, project coordination, program administration, student services, or a closely related field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position may serve as an acceptable substitute for the minimum education requirement.* Note: the substitute-experience requirement is the total experience threshold, and is not added to the shorter minimum requirement listed in the Experience section below. All other distinct education, credential, and experience requirements remain applicable. Experience Minimum experience required: At least three (3) years of experience in Tribal health program coordination, project coordination, program administration, student services, or a closely related field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position* At least two (2) years of professional experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal communities, or Tribal health clinics Experience supporting the planning, organization, implementation, or coordination of public health, education, workforce development, or similar collaborative initiatives Additional Experience Preferred At least four (4) years of professional experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal communities, or Tribal health clinics Experience mentoring, advising, or otherwise supporting students, trainees, or developing professionals Direct experience working with Northwest Tribes Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Familiarity with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Intermediate proficiency with common workplace software programs (including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom) Intermediate proficiency with Canvas, Moodle, or other learning management systems (LMS) Proficient technical writing skills, including spelling, grammar, and proofreading, and the ability to produce polished writing under a deadline Proficient research and analysis skills Excellent interpersonal skills Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively across cultural contexts Ability to exercise discretion, tact, and judgment Ability to work effectively with federal, Tribal, and other professionals Ability to facilitate participation and partnership in CHAP activities Ability to make professional oral presentations at the national, regional, and community levels, as well as in Tribal settings Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision Ability to exercise initiative and make independent decisions and recommendations Ability to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Preferred Working knowledge of the Community Health Aide Program Probationary Period External applicants must agree to serve a minimum six-month probationary period during which time their employment can be terminated at will. For the purpose of evaluating job performance, internal applicants may be required to serve an additional probationary period when job duties change significantly. Work Conditions Physical Demands This position primarily involves sedentary work, including lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time, and occasionally lifting or carrying small articles such as files, supplies, or small tools. The work is primarily performed while seated but may require occasional standing and walking. Physical Requirements Standard office requirements include: Frequently requires sitting for sustained periods Frequently requires keyboarding, fine-finger dexterity, and repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and fingers Occasionally requires standing, walking, and ascending or descending stairs or ramps Infrequently requires stooping or crouching Travel And Field-work Requirements Include Requires prolonged sitting during automobile or air travel Requires walking and standing at meeting, event, or field locations Requires navigating airports, hotels, Tribal facilities, clinics, government offices, and other work locations Requires lifting or carrying luggage, presentation materials, or other work supplies weighing up to 50 pounds May require exposure to outdoor weather, variable temperatures, or other applicable field conditions Travel Requirements Local travel is required approximately 10% of the time. Overnight travel outside of the area is infrequently required. Attendance at quarterly NPAIHB Board Meetings is occasionally required. These meetings are held both locally and at locations hosted by our member Tribes on a rotating basis, taking place during the third or fourth weeks of January, April, July, and October, and typically requiring a minimum stay of two overnights per meeting. Disclaimer The individual must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately and without posing a significant safety threat to self or others. The statements in this position description describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Except as provided by Title 25, U.S.C. 5307(b), which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the NPAIHB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, politics, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, genetic information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. The Pay Range For This Role Is 58,000 - 68,500 USD per year(Portland, OR)