Traditional Mental Health Worker

Traditional Mental Health Worker

Agency: Chief Seattle Club

Effective Date: 9/9/2024

Reports to: Chief Traditional Officer

Salary Range: $38.35/hr – $46.62/hr

This position works with the Chief Traditional Officer to support the Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual health of the members and residents of Chief Seattle Club. The role ensures that all experience the club as a place grounded in Native culture that nurtures, affirms, and strengthens the spirit of urban Native people. The position will work individually and in group settings utilizing trauma‑informed mental health and cultural tools and practices to support healing and wellness.

• Create trusting and supportive relationships with residents/members through regular presence in community spaces and events.
• Develop schedule for one‑on‑one sessions with members; individualize treatment plans (deliverables will depend on site location).
• Plan and facilitate group activities, special outings or gatherings that support resident/member healing and wellness.
• Coordinate with site staff to lead cultural wellness activities accessible to all members/residents and incorporate a variety of traditional practices such as sweat lodge, well‑briety groups, talking circles, drum groups, and proper protocols for gathering and using traditional medicines.
• Assist and support on‑site staff with de‑escalation and crisis intervention as requested and needed.
• Assist organizational leadership in building a network of traditional healers who can provide ceremonial support and guidance for residents/members as they request.
• Work with the Chief Traditional Officer and Executive Director to develop culturally appropriate pre‑ and post‑surveys for resident/member engagement in TMH programming that include assessment of housing stability and overall sense of health and wellness.
• Ensure reporting requirements are met via pre‑/post‑survey delivery and attendance at TMH groups and activities.
• Develop a CSC‑approved network of clinical mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers for external referral as requested by residents/members.
• Manage and support the harvesting or acquisition of traditional medicines for wellness activities and the proper use and preparation of medicines.
• Participate in regular TMH program check‑ins and team meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Participate in mandatory staff meetings and activities as requested.
• Prior work experience with American Indian/Alaska Native populations.
• Confidentiality with client information.

• No educational or licensure requirements.
• Strong background in traditional ceremonial, cultural, and medicine practices.
• Lay counseling, peer support, or other mental health support experience.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to work at a stationary workspace for long periods, move throughout the office, use a PC, constantly reach with hands/fingers and keyboard extensively, communicate in team and telephone frequently, read and write documents in hard and electronic copy. Occasional travel may be required depending on location. The position is typically in an office environment with desktop business equipment and frequent telephone calls.

Noise level is moderate; frequent interruptions are common under deadlines and time constraints.

Individuals may be exposed to members who have experienced trauma; staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self‑care. Mental health care referrals for employees are available.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Chief Seattle Club is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. The organization does not discriminate on protected characteristics. All employment decisions shall be consistent with the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Chief Seattle Club is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

Entry level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Non‑profit Organizations