FHTWC Peacemaker

*The Family Healing to Wellness Court Peacemaker is a three year (3 yr.) grant funded position from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The duration of this position is subject to the guidelines outlined in the grant and will be forty hours per week (40 hrs./wk.) with the Family Healing to Wellness Court.

SUMMARY

The Peacemaker will assist in the Family Healing to Wellness Court (FHTWC), one of the Tribal Court's diversionary programs, in activities that relate to juvenile and families wherein substance abuse is a factor that brought the juvenile and family before the Tribal Court and therein are referred to the FHTWC as part of a new three year (3yr.) grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP Grant). Under the direction of the FHTWC Case Manager and FHTWC Team, the Peacemaker will provide peacemaking session, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) sessions, and ensure juvenile and adult clients are progressing through the Core Routines.

For juveniles that are in the Tribal Court for criminal offenses and where the juvenile's offenses are the result of or are related to substance abuse by either the juvenile and/or the family, the FHTWC will provide direct services to youth who are younger than eighteen (18) years of age and to their parents or guardians. For families that are in the Tribal Court for abuse or neglect child protection cases and where the family's acts or omissions are the result of or are related to substance abuse, the FHTWC will provide direct services to youth who are younger than eighteen (18) years of age and to the parents or guardians.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 Years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Civil or Domestic Mediation Certification (40 hr. course) or ability to attain certification within ninety (90) days of employment.
• General knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, policies, procedures and administration is required.
• Familiarity with the Core Routines that may include but not be limited to: sit-spots, talking circles, reflections on nature in written journals, learn to make a fire without modern tools commonly used in today's society, making traditional crafts, and the use of Native American arts.
• MRT Certification or ability to attain certification within ninety (90) days of employment. Conduct MRT sessions with clients. Note that MRT is a treatment strategy that seeks to decrease recidivism among adult and juvenile clients by increasing moral reasoning.
• Must have a valid Michigan driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet the goals, objectives, and activities of the project as defined in the OJJDP Grant application as described below consistent with the project budget and timeline, fiscal guidelines, and staffing resources.
• Assist the FHTWC in complying with requirements of the OJJDP Grant that includes but is not limited to: being a member of the FHTWC Team, providing valuable input to the FHTWC Team as to recommendations for incentives/sanctions or successful/unsuccessful completion of the program, and monitoring the clientele as they progresses through the FHTWC program.
• Conduct peacemaking sessions, follow up services, paperwork and maintenance of manuals and forms.
• Ensure clientele progress through the Core Routines that may include but not be limited to: sit-spots, talking circles, reflections on nature in written journals, learn to make a fire without modern tools commonly used in today's society, making traditional crafts, and the use of Native American arts.
• Conduct MRT sessions to decrease recidivism among adult and juvenile clients by increasing moral reasoning. Coordinate with the FHTWC Case Manager to also conduct MRT sessions.
• Schedule meetings for Mnaweejeendiwin (Peacemakers) in collaboration with the judges, FHTWC Case Manager and FHTWC Team.
• Attend meetings with the judges, FHTWC Case Manager and FHTWC Team to update them on peacemaking, Core Routines and MRT progress of the clients.
• Document case activity and case information.
• Maintain paperwork involving peacemaking, Core Routines and MRT.
• Work with Tribal, State and County Courts staff (Judges, Prosecutors, Probation) involving clientele to maintain cultural priorities in the peacemaking process, Core Routines and MRT.
• Educate people on the FHTWC, peacemaking process, Core Routines and MRT.
• Assist clientele with conflict resolution, both inner conflict and personal conflict, throughout the Tribal community and surrounding community.
• Meet with traditional people to discuss common traditions to help the Tribal community.
• Be a visible and positive role model in the Tribal community and surrounding community.
• Provide resolution of disputes which have been referred by the FHTWC by using mediation and arbitration techniques.
• Undergo ongoing training in peacemaking and alternative dispute resolution, in addition to Core Routines and MRT training that may be in addition to normal office hours.
• Attend FHTWC hearings as the court recorder when directed by the judges, FHTWC Case Manager and FHTWC Team.
• Assist the FHTWC Case Manager with issuance of notices and orders derived from FHTWC.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to work on FHTWC sessions when scheduled in the evenings or Saturdays.
• Ability to maintain judicial confidentiality and impartiality a must.
• Must possess a basic understanding of the Tribal Court and FHTWC functions.
• Work requires computer literacy, especially in Windows, Word and Excel.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Common sense and good people skills are critical to this position.
• Ability to analyze situations and apply logical and rational thinking to make a decision or choose a course of action; drawing on previous experience and skill as the basis for decision-making.
• Ability to deal with people in intense situations, confront and resolve conflicts that disrupt work flow or interpersonal relationships.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of others, keeping open to clientele needs, situation and specific background or culture.
• Demonstrated listening skills, such that the clientele needs, issues, problems, etc. are heard and addressed.
• Open and unbiased attitude toward any group of individuals, able to communicate with all levels of personnel.
• Ability to assimilate knowledge quickly and repeat back quickly.
• Calm and levelheaded under pressure and still perform well; displaying an emotional balance that facilitates solid performance.
• Duties, responsibilities, requirements and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed.
• Ability to work well with others in pressure situations and demonstrate adaptability and flexibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Ability to read and write legibly.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED certificate.
• Civil or Domestic Mediation Certification (40 hr. course) or ability to attain certification within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Familiarity with the Core Routines that may include but not be limited to: sit-spots, talking circles, reflections on nature in written journals, learn to make a fire without modern tools commonly used in today's society, making traditional crafts, and the use of Native American arts.
• MRT Certification or ability to attain certification within ninety (90) days of employment. Conduct MRT sessions with clients. Note that MRT is a treatment strategy that seeks to decrease recidivism among adult and juvenile clients by increasing moral reasoning.
• General knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, policies, procedures and administration is required.
• General proficiency in computers as detailed in the additional functions and tasks section of this document.
• General proficiency in 10-key and other office equipment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid unsecured Michigan Driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• This position requires a self-starter, highly motivated person with a strong work ethic, who is able to accomplish goals with very little supervision.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment; calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone systems, etc. in addition, PBT machine.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, copiers, etc. should have corrected normal range of hearing and sight.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Will routinely be involved in conflict resolution, problem solving, mediation, and discussions with all levels of the organization. Required to be other centered and resolution focused. Must set aside personal considerations and render objective findings and resolutions in often complex human circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some deadlines involved, so there is time pressure on occasion. Local travel to various properties in a forty-mile (40 mi.) radius is involved, as well as out of town; overnight travel on occasion is required. Although primarily an eight to five (8-5) job, one must be flexible and willing to work the occasional evening, weekend, or holiday. A good deal of work is performed in an office environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work is in the community and other agencies. Must be willing to travel and provide transportation services to clients.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through motion with Tribal Council approval. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for FHTWC Peacemaker Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians