Position Summary

In the department of Prevention and Intervention, and under the direction of the Director of Prevention and Intervention, the Learning Specialist provides expert project management, consultation, and curriculum development to school districts and county office personnel. This role focuses on implementing best practices for serving Native American youth and fostering culturally sustaining learning environments. The Specialist works in partnership with California Tribes, Native youth organizations, and educational institutions to design multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)—including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—for Humboldt County’s students and families.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position requires extensive experience in relationship building with Tribal populations and a deep understanding of the history of American Indian Education. The Specialist serves as a key Tribal Liaison, facilitating formal partnerships between Tribal governments and educational agencies. The ideal candidate has demonstrated expertise in culturally relevant curriculum development and professional development strategies for educators.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Prevention and Intervention. This position may supervise one or more support staff as services expand, including HCOE staff and contracted staff throughout the County and Region.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Grant and Funding Support: Assists LEAs in accessing and managing grants designed to support Native American students, including federal and state funding.
• Agency Collaboration: Collaborates with State, County, Tribal, and local agencies to design and support programs that address specific Native American student needs.
• Expert Consultation: Serves as a “research-based strategies expert” for instructional planning and resource curation within Native American studies and culturally sustaining pedagogy.
• PBIS & UDL Implementation: Assists in the integration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks into services for students to ensure equitable access and culturally appropriate, trauma informed behavioral and academic support.
• Tribal Liaison: Acts as a primary liaison between California Tribes and HCOE to coordinate collaborations, consultation, and the sharing of information and resources.
• Relationship Building: Works closely with California Tribes and Cal Poly Humboldt to lead the implementation of the California Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC).
• Network Creation: Establishes an Education Network for regional programs to partner and collaborate on program improvement.

• Professional Development: Designs and delivers staff training on Native American history, culture, and trauma-informed practices to foster inclusive learning environments.  Creates public presentations and leads workshops.

• Curriculum Development: Supports the creation of culturally relevant materials that reflect regional Native American history and contributions.
• College and Career Readiness: Collaborates on pathways for Native American students to access higher education and vocational training.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Grant development and funding management for educational programs.
• Native American Studies and Regional Tribal Histories.
• Culturally Sustaining Teaching and Curriculum Design.
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• School-wide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Native American Studies, Education, History, or a related field
• Current California Teaching Credential (or equivalent experience within a Tribal/Indigenous educational setting).
• At least 5 years of successful teaching or equivalent experience.

Preferred:

• Enrolled membership in a California Tribe and ten or more years of service to Native American populations is highly desirable.
• Master’s Degree in a related field

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

The Learning Specialist provides services in the office, as well as in various sites throughout the county, sometimes serving multiple sites in a single workday. This position may be required to adjust work hours in a reasonable manner to accommodate program needs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Sit, stand and/or move about for extended periods;

• Visual acuity to read and write printed materials and computer screens;

• Hearing and speech abilities for ordinary and telephonic conversations;

• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds;

• Hand-eye-arm and finger dexterity.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.

• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.

• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Class 1 

194 days 

Approved 7/31/26