Enrollment Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Enrollment Department is to truthfully, expertly, and confidentially; verify, maintain, and protect the Pascua Yaqui tribal membership roll and all associated policies, procedures, documents, and files, together with any documentation provided for and by the tribal membership and applicants while accurately, impartially, and professionally adhering to the tribe’s constitution, resolutions, ordinances, and law set forth for the enrollment department.

The Enrollment Research Specialist will be the expert in review, research, and recommendations on the eligibility of applicants for tribal membership and entitlement of services. Responsibilities include determination and eligibility of the Enhanced Tribal Cards.

Every employee of the Pascua Yaqui Enrollment Department is expected to present themselves in a professional manner to tribal members, applicants, customers, visitors, and other employees including those in other departments. They will display respect and understanding of Pascua Yaqui tribal traditions and values. Remembering that the Tribe strives to provide a positive team environment where everyone contributes.

• Professionally process enrollment applications, including performing extensive genealogy research to determine eligibility; create and maintain applicant records; code and maintain applicant information; request documents and vital records; factually recommend eligibility of membership to Enrollment Director and send official notices of rejections of approvals and rights to appeal.
• Correctly and accurately process Blood Quantum Modification Requests (BQMR), which include information about the petitioner/tribal member of BQMR procedures; research and verify that a modification is justified; request documents and vital records needed to complete BQMR; recommend whether BQMR meets criteria to Enrollment Director; inform petitioner/tribal member of outcome; update/change enrollment records and prepare documents for approval or rejection.
• Professionally and politely conduct formal investigative interviews of ETC applicants. Thoroughly screen and authenticate source documents and determine the eligibility of ETC applicants for card production and issuance.
• Audit all applicant and membership files by verifying member information; request documentation/clarification of family history; identify and correct blood quantum discrepancies; recommend corrections to Enrollment Director; create family links by entering all relevant information into progeny for future Kinship/Family Tree Reports.
• Investigate all enrollment applications and member enrollment files for dual membership and initiate the relinquishment process as needed.
• Correctly and accurately process ICWA Enrollment Verifications by performing extensive research to determine ICWA eligibility; complete enrollment verifications and issue Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB’s) and Kinship/Family Tree Reports and assist the Attorney General’s Office and Social Services Department in locating family members for placements.
• Timely provide friendly assistance, accurate information, and correct guidance to the Enrollment Screening Committee by identifying applications that need review, reference files, request documents, vital records, and information.
• Process enrollment rejections, prepare notices, and gather and organize documentation for possible enrollment appeals.
• Provide customer service by assisting applicants and tribal members with completing applications and providing information; provide notary services; collaborate with other tribes, outside agencies, and departments regarding enrollment matters; translate documents; issue CDIBs, Kinship/Family Tree Reports, and Tribal identifications.
• Travel to Yaqui communities or other requested areas to conduct enrollment services.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by management.

• Yaqui culture, customs, resources, and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.
• Know and follow all policies and procedures.
• Tribal Constitution and Membership Ordinance.
• Internal standard operating policies and procedures.
• Applicable…