Research Specialist

SUMMARY

The Research Specialist will provide research/secretarial assistance for the Membership office. Research will include applicability of blood quantum changes as discovery unfolds, accurate completion of family trees, along with performing intake duties. Knowledge of basic membership questions for performance in the office and on the phone is required. Must be detail oriented and able to operate all office equipment and/or the laminator, photo equipment, enrollment software, and be able to prepare certified/registered mail. Typing of letters and reports for the Department Manager to review prior to mailing, filing and data entry required. To maintain filing system in office and assist members with information as needed. Must possess the ability to fill in and assist where necessary for all Membership Office personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have at least 3 years of office experience.
• Must be familiar with the Tribal Service area.
• Must have experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Pro, and computer literacy skills.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must be punctual and a self-starter with good organizational skills and ability to work alone or with others.
• Must be present from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Petition various courts (Probate) for adoption records, or as otherwise scheduled.
• Must follow all GTB policies and procedures.
• Request CDIB's from other Federally Recognized Tribes.
• Answer daily incoming calls and take accurate messages.
• Provide visitors, guests and clients with information regarding applications for membership, and provide assistance as needed for address changes, voter registration, and other forms.
• Analyze difficult case assignment relating to blood degrees.
• Research enrollment applications and carry through to completion.
• Conduct internet research of census records, vital records, cross-referencing GTB Base Roll, Durant Roll and accompanying field notes to determine merits of application.
• Have some knowledge of where to look for documentation, and know which agency to ask for them.
• Prepare family tree document without error visibly connecting the applicant to their ancestor noted in the "F.N." column on the Base Roll.
• Knowledgeable of GTB service programs and make referrals as necessary.
• Prepare difficult correspondence associated with a denial.
• Recognize and process errors as they unfold through research.
• Assist in preparation of correspondence and reports for Program; assist with mass mail as requested.
• Be available for training to update skills necessary for the growth of position.
• Maintain highest level of confidentiality in all matters of Membership.
• To become highly knowledgeable and accurate in data entered into membership software.
• Many government agencies are sometimes needed for contact purposes.
• Provide monthly baseline/information to Department Manager.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have good reasoning and people skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Work requires proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Recognizes technical problems or deviations from normal procedure, and confers with immediate supervisor to resolve them after searching precedents to develop a recommended solution.
• Uses good judgment in interpreting guidelines, in adapting department procedures, or in recommending approaches or solutions for specific problems.
• Must thoroughly enjoy research work.
• Operation of all office equipment, meeting set-up, and processing meeting minutes.
• Familiarity with Tribal Constitution and Membership criteria and ability to apply knowledge to applications for membership.
• Must be knowledgeable of GTB Tribal History.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED necessary.
• Must have at least 3 years office experience.
• Must be familiar with Tribal Service area.
• Must have excellent people and interpersonal skills in order to assist those coming to the office for services.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license and be insurable with GTB's insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as, calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone systems, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting heavy objects, such as a case of paper or several books at once. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, copiers, etc.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A good deal of work is performed in an office environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work is off site and in the offices of the various properties. You will be required to go off-site for special meetings and within every Election cycle.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors 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 Research Specialist Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians