Program Support Assistant

Program: 988 Tribal Response Department

Job Title: Program Support Assistant

Salary: Commiserate with experience

Employment Type: Grant Funded / Contract based on grant funding (Est. 3 yrs)

Hrs./WK: 37.5/ Monday – Friday (evenings, and weekends may be required based on community events and program activities).

Job Location: Providence, RI; Regional Travel is Required (RI, MA, CT)

The Rhode Island Indian Council (RIIC) has served Native American communities for more than 50 years throughout New England and the surrounding region. RIIC is committed to culturally responsive services and to strengthening access to resources, opportunities, behavioral health support, employment services, and community-based programs.

Position Summary

The Program Support Assistant is a full-time position providing hands-on administrative, logistical, event, outreach, and program support for the 988 Tribal Response project.

This position works closely with the Project Director and Cultural Engagement Coordinator to help ensure that project activities, community events, meetings, outreach efforts, and day-to-day program needs are carried out efficiently and on time.

The Program Support Assistant will be a highly visible and active support person for the project. Responsibilities may include preparing materials, setting up and breaking down events, transporting supplies, assisting with community activities, making follow-up calls, organizing documents, entering basic data, taking notes, helping coordinate schedules, and completing other tasks necessary to support successful project implementation.

The ideal candidate is reliable, flexible, organized, willing to help wherever needed, comfortable working in the community, and able to work evenings and weekends when project activities require it.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project & Administrative Support

• Provide day-to-day support to the Project Director and Cultural Engagement Coordinator.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, community activities, presentations, outreach events, and project activities.
• Prepare meeting materials, agendas, sign-in sheets, handouts, supplies, and other project materials.
• Take meeting notes and assist with tracking follow-up items and action steps.
• Make phone calls, send emails, and assist with routine follow-up with community members and project partners.
• Organize project files, documents, forms, receipts, contact information, and other records.
• Assist with maintaining organized documentation for grant reporting and project activities.
• Perform general administrative and program support duties as assigned.

Event & Community Support

• Assist with planning, preparing, staffing, and supporting powwows, health events, suicide prevention events, retreats, talking circles, listening sessions, community gatherings, and other Native community activities.
• Assist with event setup and breakdown, including tables, chairs, displays, signage, supplies, and educational materials.
• Transport and organize project materials and supplies as needed.
• Staff information tables and greet community members.
• Distribute 988 and suicide prevention materials and assist community members in finding appropriate information and resources.
• Assist the Cultural Engagement Coordinator with outreach activities and community engagement.
• Help ensure that events are organized, welcoming, respectful, and prepared for participants.
• Be available for evenings, nights, and weekends when required for community events and project activities.

Outreach & Community Engagement Support

• Assist with outreach to Tribal and Urban Native communities.
• Support the distribution of educational materials and 988 information.
• Help maintain contact lists and outreach records.
• Assist with follow-up calls, emails, and other communications after community events.
• Help collect community feedback, contact forms, surveys, and participation information.
• Support the Cultural Engagement Coordinator in maintaining an active presence within Native communities.

General Program Support

• Assist the Project Director and Cultural Engagement Coordinator with special projects and time-sensitive assignments.
• Help identify supplies, materials, or logistical needs before community activities.
• Run program-related errands and complete other reasonable tasks necessary to support project operations.
• Assist with transportation of project materials and supplies when appropriate and authorized.
• Help ensure that the Project Director and Cultural Engagement Coordinator have the materials, information, and logistical support needed to carry out their responsibilities.
• Perform other duties related to the 988 Tribal Response project as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong connection to and familiarity with Tribal and/or Urban Native communities in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or the broader Northeast.
• Demonstrated respect for Native cultures, communities, traditions, and community protocols.
• Reliable, dependable, and willing to assist with a wide variety of tasks.
• Comfortable working directly with community members, including Elders, youth, families, and community leaders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and complete assigned tasks.
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and document management.
• Ability to organize materials and information accurately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays based on project and community event needs.
• Ability to travel throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

Core Competencies

• Reliability: Shows up, follows through, and can be counted on to complete assignments.
• Flexibility: Willing to step in and help wherever the project needs support.
• Community Respect: Interacts with community members in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner.
• Teamwork: Works closely with the Project Director and Cultural Engagement Coordinator.
• Organization: Keeps materials, schedules, documents, and assignments organized.
• Initiative: Recognizes what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and promptly with supervisors, coworkers, partners, and community members.
• Professionalism: Represents RIIC and the 988 Tribal Response project appropriately in the community.
• · Attention to Detail: Accurately handles forms, sign-in sheets, contact information, data, and project materials.

Important Role Expectations

• This is a hands-on program support position. The Program Support Assistant should be prepared to assist with whatever is reasonably needed to keep the 988 Tribal Response project moving forward.
• The position will involve both office-based and community-based work, including event preparation, transportation of supplies, setup and breakdown, outreach, administrative tasks, follow-up, documentation, and direct support to project staff.
• Because many Native community, cultural, health, and suicide prevention events occur outside of traditional business hours, evening and weekend availability is an essential part of this position.
• The successful candidate must be dependable and willing to support the Project Director and Cultural Engagement Coordinator before, during, and after community activities.

Reports To

• Executive Director and Chief of Staff
• Project Director (988 Tribal Response Department)

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Rhode Island Indian Council is committed to achieving full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age, or Sexual Orientation. In addition to the above, the Rhode Island Indian Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience to [email protected]

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person