Job Title: Galvgwodiyu Cultural Advisor
Job Code: GCA
Department: Analenisgi
Division: Behavioral Health
Salary Level: Exempt 1
Reports To: Galvgwodiyu Program Manager
Last Revised: June 2025

PRIMARY FUNCTION

To ensure that the Galvgwodiyu program becomes a model of culturally infused patient care, and that the principles of culturally relevant service delivery are infused throughout the behavioral health service lines at Analenisgi. This position is responsible for providing primary, discipline specific, expertise for the Galvgwodiyu program service and related program services within the Analenisgi clinic. In addition to the direct service time specified in the job description, the position will also provide direct oversight and supervision of all cultural coordinators and cultural volunteers within the BH programs associated with the Galvgwodiyu service line.
This includes, but is not limited to: Serving as a care team (cultural advisor) member for related trainings and activities in the Galvgwodiyu program, as a learning circle leader, trainer, and presenter. Target population(s) served are EBCI and IHS eligible or those in partnership with the needs of the community. This position will bring the expertise of the Cherokee culture into the context of BFA service delivery and will develop and build relationships with other experts in the field. The cultural advisor position will work to increase the cultural knowledge of BH staff and invite those in the community to learn and connect with the Cherokee culture on their way to healing.

BH CARE-TEAM/TREATMENT TEAM DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

• Complete training to ensure appropriate documentation standards set forth in the medical record by governing bodies.
• Responsible for attending clinical/care team staffing as an integral component of the treatment team, facilitating the discussion of patient data, and formulating changes to the treatment plan.
• Assist in the individual treatment plan that includes a comprehensive assessment, the development of time-limited, quantified, measurable, and salient goals, and give input from a cultural standpoint, assisting in prescribing procedures and interventions that lend to goal attainment.
• Timely record all treatment and clinically significant events for the medical record in the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures.
• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely documentation and billing for services.
• Follows the provisions contained in all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, CFR 42, or other licensing bodies.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of Cherokee traditional songs, stories, and dances with the population served.
• Knowledge of self-awareness and self-care techniques for good work-life balance.
• Knowledge of core issues that may arise in BH settings, such as safety concerns, legal and reporting mandates, and best practices with the population served.
• Knowledge of Cherokee history, culture, and craft/artistry.
• Knowledge of historic grief and trauma and its impacts.
• Knowledge of the Cherokee Language.
• Knowledge of the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and Social factors on the population served.
• Ability to determine appropriate boundaries with clients and maintain professional ethics in all situations.
• Knowledge of substance use and behavioral health-related disorders
• Knowledge of trauma and how it impacts the population served
• Ability to learn computerized treatment systems, including but not limited to RPMS, and ability to maintain records and files manually and on the computer.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service

OVERALL CORE DUTIES

• A demonstrated commitment to preserving and protecting the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee.
• Experienced in and commitment to working in a team-oriented environment.
• Ensure effective team work across all ages, disabilities and programs to meet the behavioral health and social needs of the EBCI.
• Project a proactive, warm, welcoming, and professional presence within the community served. Work effectively with internal and external stakeholders and those with tribal/indigenous affiliations.
• Possess extensive knowledge of Cherokee history and culture with a willingness to learn more.
• Substantive knowledge of the Cherokee language.
• Means for vetting cultural practices and traditions proposed by other areas in the health system.
• Willingness to travel and assist with community events and collaboration.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity for Cherokee culture and other cultures with experience in teaching others in these areas.
• Willingness to learn more with supplemented training and advisement from elders and other cultural experts in Cherokee culture, language, various art forms, and performing arts.
• Complete all trainings associated with the department and organization as assigned.
• Identify and coordinate cultural reflection for the Beauty for Galvgwodiyu.
• Willingness to learn and respect other cultural practices as they apply.
• Core knowledge of Cherokee crafts, or willingness to learn, is necessary.
• Knowledge of and willingness to perform, lead, and teach traditional songs, stories, and dances with the population served.
• Knowledge of safety concerns, legal and reporting mandates, and evidence-based practices with the population served.
• Willingness to research Cherokee history, culture, and craft/artistry.
• Responsible for all related policies, procedures, and forms needed to ensure continuity.
• Willingness to wear and guide others around traditional and present-day cultural dress.
• Coordinate volunteers as assigned.
• When appropriate, document practices for continuation and fidelity.
• Ability to document plans and budget related details for supervisor.
• Adhere to and document all grant related requirements as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the application of judgment and problem-solving skills to be effective. Judgment often involves decisions that may have life-or-death results.

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times, given the complexity of the duties, management and supervision of staff, and the clinical areas being addressed with the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods of time. Some physical exertion and stamina is required, such as those required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

• Position requires: stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); talk or hear (over 2/3 time).
• Weight lifted or force exerted: none.
• Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)