Ahtna Language Ambassador

SUMMARY 

The Ahtna Language Intern supports the revitalization and integration of the Ahtna language within the Copper River Native Association’s (CRNA) Tribal Community Services programs. This position assists with language learning, cultural engagement, and communication through events, classrooms, and social media outreach. The ambassador will collaborate closely with language mentors, preschool instructors, and community partners to promote and normalize the use of Ahtna in everyday settings. 

JOB DUTIES 

• Serve as point of contact with the Copper River Region Ahtna language community. 

• Contribute five (5) weekly Ahtna words that align with community and cultural themes. 

• Act as a language ambassador for TCS events, bringing Ahtna language and values into gatherings, workshops, and celebrations. 

• Support Ahtna language inclusion in preschool and child development programs, providing assistance to instructors as needed. 

• Assist with Native Teaching Aids (NTA) software build-out and language recordings, helping preserve and organize digital resources. 

• Capture and share social media content—photographs, language highlights, and success stories—to celebrate cultural and community achievements. 

• Demonstrate strong teaching, learning, and communication skills with ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with Elders, youth, and staff. 

• Participate in professional development activities to enhance cultural and linguistic proficiency. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Interest in or familiarity with Ahtna language, culture, and values. 

• Willingness to learn Ahtna language and apply it in diverse contexts. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage with Elders, youth, and community members respectfully. 

• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media platforms). 

• Ability to work independently and remotely, while maintaining accountability and communication. 

• Reliable organization and time management skills. 

SPECIFICATIONS 

Supervision Received: 
Work is performed under the general supervision of the TCS Director or designated Language Program Administrator. 

Supervision Exercised: 
None. 

Contacts: 
Frequent contact with Elders, language mentors, youth, and staff within CRNA and community partners. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience) 

• High school diploma or equivalent.  

• Demonstrated interest in Ahtna language, culture, or education. 

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience) 

• Coursework or experience in Ahtna language, linguistics, education, or cultural studies. 

• Experience with social media outreach or digital storytelling. 

• Familiarity with community engagement or teaching assistance. 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY 

• Knowledge of health, social services, legal issues, and other general/local services throughout the area. 

• Strong understanding and sensitivity to Alaska Native culture and lifestyle, with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native population. 

• Strong written, analytical, verbal, and interpersonal skills. 

• Effective oral and written communications skills with sensitivity to lifestyles of targeted participants. 

• Skills in operating personal computer using a variety of computer software. 

• Ability to keep accurate records and produce timely and accurate written reports. 

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as required for HIPAA, other regulations and organization matters. 

• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines. 

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, including outside contacts. 

• Ability to work independently as well as with teams. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

The work is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 25 lbs. The majority of work is performed in an office setting with a wide variety of people with differing functions, personalities, and abilities. CRNA is a non-smoking campus. May require local travel between compact services of CRNA which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions. Works in an environment where protection of client confidentiality is essential. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided where/when needed.  

SPECIFICATIONS 

Supervision Received: 

Work will be monitored through meetings, reports, and regular communication with the immediate supervisor.  General guidelines for operations are based on program requirements, conditions of grant award(s), and the general policies and procedures of CRNA.   

Supervision Exercised: 

Position will not provide direct supervision. 

Contacts: 

Contacts include and not limited to volunteers, organizational staff, clients, and outside agencies. 

CONDITIONS OF HIRE 

• All employment at CRNA is "at will." This means that the employee or CRNA may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position. 

• CRNA is a no tolerance workplace. All employees must pass an initial and random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment. 

• CRNA has several positions which require a criminal background check for the safety of our clients. All employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until CRNA has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs. 

• First Aid/CPR certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire for required positions.  

• Annual TB screens for required positions.