MMIP Coordinator

Full-time position reporting to the Executive Housing Director.

About the role

The MMIP Coordinator will lead and coordinate the Pala Housing Resource Center’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People initiatives, including prevention, awareness, victim support coordination, youth engagement, statewide collaboration, website development oversight, training coordination, search and rescue partnerships, and grant compliance activities. The position serves as a liaison between Tribal communities, service providers, state agencies, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, victim advocates, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all MMIP grant activities and deliverables.
• Coordinate meetings with the MMIP Advisory Board to discuss ongoing initiatives, case updates, and strategic planning.
• Conduct comprehensive research to stay current with best practices for responding to MMIP cases.
• Develop and regularly update policies, procedures, forms, and response plans that enhance the effectiveness of MMIP response efforts.
• Develop educational materials, social media campaigns, newsletters, and other outreach efforts for MMIP awareness, issues, and prevention strategies.
• Collect, centralize, and maintain up-to-date information regarding missing and murdered Pala Tribal Members and all Indigenous persons residing within San Diego County.
• Track and document case progress, outcomes, and demographics to support ongoing investigations and reporting.
• Collaborate with other tribes to organize and participate in MMIP awareness events, fostering regional and national partnerships for advocacy and support.
• Coordinate and facilitate youth awareness initiatives to educate young people about human trafficking and the risks associated with MMIP cases.
• Plan and implement awareness, prevention, and response strategies to proactively address MMIP concerns within the community.
• Assist family members of MMIP victims with publication costs for missing persons notices and organizing volunteer searches.
• Provide empathetic, on-call services to individuals contacting Pala’s Tribal Law Enforcement regarding MMIP cases.
• Assist victims and their families in accessing available resources, including shelters, counseling, medical services, legal support, and law enforcement agencies.
• Adhere to MMIP grant requirements and compliance.
• Help with the preparation of necessary forms, such as requests for protective orders and applications for victim services.
• Centralize and disseminate resources related to MMIP initiatives within the community and beyond.
• Work collaboratively with Pala departments, programs, and external victim service providers to create a network of support for MMIP victims and their families.
• Work collaboratively with Pala Tribal Law Enforcement in the event of a Feather Alert.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies at the tribal, local, county, state, and federal levels to enhance communication and cooperation in MMIP cases.
• Maintain and update the Pala’s MMIP Database with accurate and current case information.
• Process program invoices, travel requests, and purchases efficiently and in accordance with organizational policies.
• Attend department meetings, trainings, and other required gatherings to stay informed and aligned with the program’s goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Native American Studies, Public Administration, Behavioral Health, or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in community outreach, victim services, youth services, grant management, Tribal programs, or related fields.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, victim advocacy, or case management preferred.
• Strong understanding of MMIP issues, law enforcement processes, and victim services.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with victims, families, and law enforcement.
• Strong organizational and data management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including on-call availability.
• Must pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint-based background check pursuant to Public Law 101-630 – Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Indian preference will apply; hiring preference given to fully qualified Pala Tribal Members.

Skills

• Ability to think creatively around problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to work responsibly with or without direct supervision.