Community Based Program Specialist – Behavioral Health (Tribal)

In this role, you will support community-based behavioral health services through collaborative partnerships with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Santee Sioux Nation, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. You will combine culturally responsive relationship-building with contract administration, program monitoring, and technical assistance.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate community-based behavioral health program activities.
• Build and maintain respectful working relationships with Tribal Nations, Native-serving organizations, DHHS Tribal Liaisons, and other partners, recognizing each Tribe’s sovereignty and distinct laws, practices, and priorities.
• Provide technical assistance to tribal staff and leaders, including guidance on program requirements and policy clarifications.
• Manage tribal behavioral health contracts, Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) contracts, and other assigned contracts, monitoring deliverables, timelines, compliance, and contractor performance.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with tribal partners to review contract activities, address questions and concerns, and coordinate follow-up.
• Monitor budgets, review monthly billings and supporting documentation, and resolve discrepancies.
• Conduct annual audits and other reviews as directed, document findings, and track corrective actions.
• Support policy development and compliance with applicable program, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain accurate, organized contract files, meeting records, audit documentation, and program reports.
• Independently manage priorities and take initiative to prepare for deadlines, improve processes, expand program knowledge, and follow up with partners.
• Participate in limited travel within Nebraska.

• One or more years of experience in human services, behavioral health services, public health, public administration, healthcare administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing contracts or grants, monitoring budgets, reviewing billings, or conducting audits.
• Experience working collaboratively with Tribal Nations, Native-serving organizations, or culturally diverse communities.
• Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Nebraska’s public behavioral health services network.
• Understanding of Nebraska contracts and grants management.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and respect for Tribal sovereignty.

• Contract administration, budgeting, program monitoring, and compliance.
• Audit and records-review practices, including reviewing supporting documentation, identifying discrepancies, and documenting findings.
• Cultural responsiveness and the importance of recognizing the distinct laws, practices, and priorities of each Tribal Nation.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including listening, establishing trust, and following through on commitments.
• Clear, respectful written and verbal communication.
• Attention to detail when reviewing contracts, billings, budgets, and audit records.
• Organization, documentation, time management, and meeting facilitation.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving to identify concerns and support appropriate corrective actions.

• Approach partnerships with cultural sensitivity, curiosity, professionalism, and an open mindset.
• Learn and explain program requirements while respecting each Tribe’s sovereignty and distinct circumstances.
• Balance supportive partner relationships with contract monitoring and accountability responsibilities.
• Manage multiple contracts, deadlines, and priorities with appropriate guidance.
• Work independently, seek clarification when needed, and take initiative during periods of lower activity.
• Build consistent, dependable partnerships through ongoing communication and follow-through.