Enrollment Research Assistant I

Job Summary

The Enrollment Research Assistant assists with reviewing and researching the eligibility of applicants for tribal membership and entitlement of services. The Research Assistant performs a variety of routine clerical functions in support of the Enrollment Staff, and maintains all files and the file room. This position provides extensive customer service for community members and answers basic questions on the Tribal enrollment applications.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with processing enrollment applications, perform preliminary research to determine eligibility; review and prepare research materials submitted, inform Research Specialist of possible family tree or blood quantum discrepancies, and request documents needed for applicant file.
• Process Wards of Court Notices from the Attorney General's Office; ensure applicant and/or enrollment files are sealed, the information is released only to authorized attorneys, caseworker, or guardian; update all paper and electronic files associated with wards of court files.
• Assist with processing ICWA enrollment verifications by performing preliminary research to determine ICWA eligibility; complete enrollment verifications and issue Certificates of Indian Blood and Kinship/Family Tree reports; identify relationships; prepare lists of relatives for Research Specialists' review.
• Process information requests and requests for applications; mail out application packets; log all items sent out in response to information and application requests using Enrollment database; this includes customer survey tracking.
• Issue receipts for all documents received, if Blood Quantum Modification Requests (BQMR) are received, research and convert files to include all files affected by BQMR; this includes prepared packets as needed.
• Provide customer service, assist applicants and tribal members with completing applications, provide information, and issue Certificates Degree of Indian Blood (CIB), and Tribal Identifications.
• Travel to Yaqui communities or other requested areas to provide enrollment services.
• Issue all requested applicant and enrollment files to Research Specialists, and ensure all outgoing files filed back to the correct category (i.e., Open Enrollment, Base Roll, OE/BR, AP's, etc.).
• Log all certified mail receipts and file in appropriate file.
• Ensure updated files correctly for classification and properly labeled; notify Enrollment Manager for needed updates, corrections, or missing documents.
• Provide front desk coverage as needed.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Tribal Enrollment Ordinance, Tribal Constitution, and Tribal policies and procedures;
• Yaqui history, communities, and families;
• Modern office practices and procedures;
• Records management;
• Business writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

• Provide customer service;
• Maintain records in alpha and numeric formats;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Identify and sort discrepancies;
• Sort through and organize large volumes of data;
• Research data;
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Follow verbal and written instruction;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have the ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required

High School Diploma or GED, plus one (1) year of clerical and customer service related experience, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Special Requirements:

• Above average Microsoft Office;
• Must be an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License;
• This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
• Must have a current Homeland Security Background Clearance or be able to obtain a Homeland Security Background Clearance within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to maintain a Homeland Security Background Clearance will result in termination.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe provides 22 days of Paid Time Off which increases with years of service and 15 paid Holidays per year. We offer a comprehensive healthcare benefit package that surpasses or rivals the biggest organizations in Tucson. We encourage you to stay healthy by providing an onsite Wellness Center. Additionally, the Tribe offers a 401(k) Plan with a generous match in which you're immediately vested along with a profit sharing plan after one year of employment. Sworn police and and fire employees are eligible to make Pre-Tax and After-Tax contirbutions to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement Systems ("PSPRS").