Communications & Advocacy Specialist

WORKING HOURS: The Communications & Advocacy Specialist is a non-exempt position that serves as a communications representative.
This position is primarily an office-based role that has regular business hours and may require work in early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
May be required to perform after-hours standby services as needed or some evening work, especially during the winter shelter season.
SUMMARY: The Communications & Advocacy Specialist is a non-exempt position that serves as a communications representative and provides benefits navigation, housing advocacy, and administrative support.
The position is the lead in developing communication strategies and initiatives to engage clients, community members, key stakeholders, and the community.
This position manages the social media outlets, print, electronic, and community-based communication options.
This position provides overflow coverage in the Intake Office and provides benefits navigation and housing advocacy.
The position reports directly to the Housing Administrator and is tasked with assisting the department with administrative support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Communications Assist in the development of a Communications Plan to actively engage tribal populations in the region.
Prepare monthly newspaper articles that highlight program successes and stories.
Draft press releases for newly acquired grants, funds, awards, and team members.
Manage the social media for housing in a strength-based story telling manner.
Develop min-clips of footage that highlights positive community activities and stories.
Develop print material as needed for program brochures, community events, and public health education.
Manage housing department's upload of content to the website and affiliated areas.
Benefits Navigation & Housing Advocacy Assist participants and tribal members with benefit enrollment in Medicare/Medicaid.
Assist participants and tribal members with benefit and advocacy for Social Security.
Assist participants and tribal members with benefit enrollment in SNAP, USDA Rural Food Distribution, or accessing other food benefits.
Assist participants and tribal members with benefit and advocacy for disability services.
Provide housing advocacy and rapid rehousing for tribal members.
Provide advocacy for tribal members in accessing Indian Health Services, behavioral health services, residential treatment options.
Provide advocacy for tribal members in accessing education and workforce development opportunities.
Administrative Support Assist in the collection of data and management of database systems and files.
Assist in the reporting of statistical data, grant objectives, and outcomes.
Assist in development of program material and resources.
Assist in the development and implementation of food sovereignty community-based events.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no direct reports for supervisory responsibilities for this position, but this position does have oversight of community volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Business, Social Work, Public Health, or related field is required.
At least two years of relevant experience and a demonstrated track record in a similar related area.
Honesty, accountability, and transparency with a commitment to social justice.
Exemplary interpersonal skills: ability to collaborate effectively with culturally diverse staff with demonstrated poise, tact, integrity, and professionalism.
Excellent skills set in developing and managing social media, print media, and communication strategies.
Demonstrated intellectual independence and initiative and willingness to learn new skills.
Must be able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality concerning all matters about the Tribe.
Extensive knowledge and experience working with Native American communities, culture, customs and cultural law.
TRIBAL AND INDIAN PREFERENCE Under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.
S.
C.
§ 450e (b)), the Dry Creek Rancheria applies the policy of "Tribal and Indian Preference" when filling vacancies.
Tribal and Indian Preference shall be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or band.
The Dry Creek Rancheria reserves the right to require applicants claiming to be American Indian or Alaskan Native a copy of their Certificate of Tribal Enrollment or Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) card.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Business, Social Work, Public Health or related field is required or equivalent work experience may be considered in-lieu of formal education.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English; knowledge or fluency in Pomo is highly desirable.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential to the successful conduct of this position.
Ability to write accurate, grammatically correct, polished reports and business correspondence.
Must be able to speak with the public professionally.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must have basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to process detailed work and requests for information or assistance in a timely manner.
Ability to apply regulatory and procedure doctrine, concepts, and policy to practical situations.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
Must be able to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
This is a fast-paced, highly diverse work environment, and the position requires the ability to remain flexible and get along with all personality types.
Must be able to manage several priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Must be able to respond calmly to customer concerns and questions.
Dry Creek Rancheria Housing Department, in conjunction with Human Resources, reserves the right to make changes to this job description at any time.
A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST, FINGERPRINT, AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED