Native American Spiritual Leader
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: XT80
Class Code: 9912
Established: 04/25/1989
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under direction, to provide spiritual and moral guidance to residents of State correctional institutions; to conduct and/or facilitate Native American spiritual ceremonies, oral traditions, cultural studies, and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Interviews and counsels juvenile or adult offenders on ethical and moral problems, spiritual matters, and cultural perspective; conducts and facilitates the conduct of Native American spiritual ceremonies including but not limited to the drum, tobacco, and revitalization ceremonies; verifies marriages and facilitates other ceremonies as needed by institution residents; organizes and instructs activities in Native American spiritual expression, oral tradition, ethics, cultural heritage, and sacred music; cooperates with other staff members in carrying out the institution treatment programs; supervises the arranging of programs conducted in the institution by visiting religious, cultural, and allied groups; counsels with families on problems involved in rehabilitation; explains and interprets the institution's religious program to community groups and to correctional personnel.
Minimum Qualifications
Currently recognized as a spiritual leader and in good standing with his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Band or Rancheria. (All candidates must attach to their application a letter of certification of good standing issued by his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Band or Rancheria.) and Experience: Two years of experience as a recognized Native American spiritual leader practicing in a setting recognized by his/her Native American Tribe, Nation, Band or Rancheria.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: A Native American ceremony or cultural event; factors involved in the development of behavior problems and methods of rehabilitation.
Ability to: Organize, prepare, and conduct Native American ceremonies and cultural events; instruct activities in Native American music and in the oral tradition; counsel institution residents and their families on moral and ethical problems; establish rapport with institution residents; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Special Personal Characteristics
Must show that he/she embodies fundamental Native American cultural/spiritual values with ability to effectively teach these values and instill them in others.
Ability to work in the cross-cultural institutional setting; insight into the factors involved in the development of behavior problems; demonstrate aptitude for working effectively with an interest in the welfare and spiritual needs of institution residents; emotional stability; adaptability; firmness; patience; self-control; tact; good communication skills; neat personal appearance; good judgment in moral, ethical, and spiritual matters.
