Commitment to Service
Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.
Position Summary: The Gigabék mine Shkenwék (Boys and Teenagers) Mentor will serve as a positive masculine role model for Pokagon boys ages 3-17 by modeling what it means to be a healthy and safe Pokagon man and provide education around violence prevention, healthy masculinity, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention to engage them in disrupting the cycle of violence against women and girls through traditional cultural teachings that promote respect for women and girls.
Because men play an important role in ending intimate partner violence, we are seeking male candidates for this role.
This position is granted funded through the Office for Violence against Women (OVW) Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program. Funding for the position is guaranteed through September 30, 2026.
Essential Functions:
- Under the “Strengthening Healthy Masculinity Among Pokagon Boys” project, provide mentorship to Pokagon boys ages 3-17, that instills a healthy masculine identity.
- Attend home visits with the Kids First Manager to provide culturally informed, in-home mentorship to boys and teenagers.
- Plan and facilitate age-appropriate education and programming for boy in the Pokagon Band’s Zagbëgon Early Learning Academy, Gdedésêk Little Otters afterschool program, and Youth Group.
- Assist with summer youth programming and activities, including Kë Gbéshmen summer camp and the Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV) Tribal Youth Summit
- Work closely with the Cultural Specialist for Victim Services and Kids First Manager to plan and coordinate cultural programming for Victim Services Program clients and families.
- Work closely with the Cultural Specialist for Victim Services, as well as with staff in the Pokagon Band’s Center of History and Culture and Ėthë Bodwéwadmimwat (Department of Language) to tailor programming to include traditional values and teachings around honoring women and modeling what it means to be a safe and healthy Pokagon man.
- Work closely with external Project Partners to develop programming for boys and men.
- Provide education to Tribal employees and the Pokagon community about the Project and on topics covering healthy relationships, teen dating violence, healthy masculinity, historical trauma, and engaging men and boys in prevention work.
- Assist with planning and facilitating community awareness programming for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Missing/Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Awareness Day.
- Periodically attend community events and gatherings, such as pow wows and the Annual Meeting, to provide information to Citizens and community members on programming.
- Attend trainings and conferences on topics related to covering healthy relationships, teen dating violence, healthy masculinity, historical trauma, and engaging men and boys in prevention work.
- As needed, work closely with the Social Services Director and Victim Services Supervisor to develop program and departmental policies and procedures to better address the needs of the program.
- Attend monthly Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team meetings to provide updates on program implementation and assist with strategic planning to promote program sustainability.
Non-Essential Functions
- Other duties as assigned.
Equipment
- Standard office equipment.
- Systems used: MS Office Applications, Internet, and Smart Phones.
Position Requirements
- High School diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the United States Department of Education (USDE) preferred. Four years of experience working with boys ages 3-17 in a Tribal community may be substituted for a four-year degree.
- Knowledge of Potawatomi cultural teachings and practices beyond a general understanding.
- Knowledge of historical and contemporary issues impacting the Pokagon community.
- Working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence. Experience with advocacy in victim services preferred.
- Strong public speaking skills to effectively engage, educate, and inform audiences with diverse backgrounds.
- A valid driver’s license and insurance.
- Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and be supportive of people in crisis.
- Ability to work tactfully, collaboratively, and diplomatically.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with Native American communities.
- Willing to undergo and successfully pass background check(s) and drug-testing.
- Able to work in high stress environment and handle difficult situations.
- Willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality standards.
- Must be able to travel when required.
Indian Preference
- Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.
Physical Requirements
- Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
- Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
- Frequently required to talk and hear.
Work Environment
- General office environment. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.
- Travel is necessary, so the ability to travel as needed is required.
Competencies:
- Adaptability
- Fostering Communication
- Acting with Empathy and Compassion
- Relationship Building
- Continuous Learning
- Teamwork
- Planning and Organizing
- Exemplifying Integrity