TANF Cultural Activity Assistant

Overview

SUMMARY:
The Cultural Activity Assistant is responsible for assisting in the development of a culturally appropriate activities for school-aged children. The Cultural Activity Assistant collaborates with Tribal TANF staff, Pechanga Cultural Resources Department staff, and school staff for developing and implementing cultural activities that promote the educational goals for tribal youth and families. In this role the Cultural Activity Assistant will teach, lead and facilitate cultural and historical activities for the youth and families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Developing activities and working with existing staff and programs that promote knowledge of and pride and respect for Luiseño/Pechanga culture and traditions.
• Teach and instruct in aspects of Luiseño culture which include but are not limited to: native plants and usage, pottery, subsistence, demographics, traditional foods, seasons, traditional housing, local animals, oral tradition and place names.
• Facilitate the development of after school activities and programs that focus on the primary goals of TANF for at risk Native American youth and adults that include cultural information to increase pride in the community and self respect.
• Verify eligibility for TANF program services, maintain sign-in sheets and activity reports for participation in the programs, events and services provided.
• Assist with developing cultural activities to assist with curriculum.
• Working with tribal youth on culturally related projects.
• Learn or, if already fluent, use the Luiseño language when interacting with school children.
• Increase knowledge of tribal history and cultural practices for use in the development of curriculum and programs to apply in the classroom.
• Assist TANF, Cultural and other Departmental staff with development of hands-on cultural activities for the students.
• Assist in creating reference materials that provide cultural information for the teachers to incorporate into their lessons.
• Assist in developing and facilitating summer activities. This includes teaching the youth tribal culture and history to encourage their ability to communicate about their culture. This increases their self-esteem, self-respect and promotes the prevention and pro-family goals of TANF.
• Assist with outreach activities between Cultural Resource Department, Pechanga School, Pechanga TANF, and community schools.
• Work with other TANF youth programs that promote pride in tribal history and culture.
• Ability to work special programs and events on occasion after normal working hours and weekends.
• Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties such as answering phones, typing correspondence, picking up supplies as needed for events or activities, set-up for programs, events or activities.
• Must adhere to all policies and procedures of the Pechanga Tribal Government.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of Luiseño culture, history and tradition preferred.
• Preferred experience with native cultures preferred.
• Experience in Luiseño language preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License, proof of insurance and personal vehicle to use for work required.
• Certified in Child/Infant CPR within 90 days of employment.
• This position must comply with the Pechanga Tribal Government’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. This includes: pre-employment testing and random testing.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.