Occ. Code 8141090
native american affairs specialist, m-1
New York State Department of Civil Service
Classification Standard
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
The one position in this title series provides New York States American Indian population with assistance and consultation in the identification of their specific needs, and the development of programs to meet these needs. The incumbent of this position acts as an advocate for American Indians, and supervises and directs the Regional Office of the Bureau of Native American Affairs, which is responsible for New York States obligations in accordance with treaties, State and federal statues, and other legal agreements in place with Tribes.
This position is located in the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and, as such, performs various duties and functions in conjunction with the overall operation of a facility and/or location to which he or she is assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
native american affairs specialist: supervisory; directs staff at the Tonawanda Indian Community House (TICH), and directs the Regional Office of the Bureau of Native American Affairs.
RELATED CLASSES
The Native American Program Aide is a paraprofessional position that is responsible for assisting with the daily operation and maintenance of the Tonawanda Indian Community House.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Ensures that maintenance of the Tonawanda Indian Community Center is performed, and ensures the smooth operation of any OCFS programs in accordance with lease and contracts.
- Assists in the development of contracts for major repairs and renovations to the facility.
- Reviews work as it progresses and ensures it meets acceptable standards.
- Coordinates activities among staff, the Board of Directors of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation Community Association, Inc., and the Tonawanda Band of Senecas Chiefs Council, to assure effective programming at the Community House.
- Assists in the development of the Bureaus budget for submission.
Establishes and maintains relationships with American Indian tribes and nations to determine their needs and meet legal obligations in accordance with treaties, laws and contracts.
- Administers and ensures payment of annuities as per treaty agreements.
- Assures payment for services of the Onondaga Indian Agent and Attorney for the Tonawanda Band of Senecas.
- Assists American Indians in obtaining or developing programs to meet needs.
- Provides consultation and technical assistance to the States American Indians as to the availability of programs to meet such needs.
- Establishes and maintains continuing relationships with agencies that provide services.
- Assists the American Indian leadership in developing appropriate program proposals.
- Serves as a liaison to agencies providing programs and services.
Consults with tribal leaders on matters both specific to individual reservations and Statewide, and recommends possible solutions.
- Establishes and maintains formal Tribal Consultation schedule with Tribal Leadership and OCFS Commissioner/representative in accordance with federal requirements.
- Makes regular visits to the reservations and urban centers located throughout the State.
- Reviews proposed State and federal legislations that affects tribes, or the programs that serve them.
- Consults with leadership to develop responses on new proposals.
- Consults with and assists leadership in the development of proposals for inclusion in legislative packages.
- Collects and maintains applicable statistical data regarding American Indians for appropriate dissemination.
- Gives assistance to program staff on various State and federal agencies interested in providing new or expanded programs.
Provides consultation, training, information, and guidance regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act.
- Supports the importance of cultural identity for American Indian children in foster care.
- Serves as an expert in child welfare matters and provides training and consultation.
Represents OCFS at meetings and functions, providing information in American Indian activities, cultures, and needs.
- Attends and participates in meetings with groups and agencies at the federal, State, and local level to exchange information, determine common problems, and develop best practices.
- Represents the Governor, as requested, at National American Indian meetings and/or conferences.
- Represents OCFS on diversity issues.
- Maintains liaison with public and private agencies and informs them of special problems and issues to assure staff are sensitive to the concerns of American Indian tribes and nations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Non Competitive: ten years of experience in the direct delivery of service and/or the program planning for services to American Indians. At least two years of this experience must include supervision of staff. A Bachelors Degree may substitute for four years of the experience as listed above.
Date: 2/15
NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.