(Pool) SOU Native Youth Program

POSITION SUMMARY:

Pooled Recruitment: By applying to this pool, applicants are not applying for a specific position. By applying, qualified applicants will be considered for Temporary Summer Camp appointments that may become available at Southern Oregon University on an as-needed, part-time, and limited-duration basis. The appointment varies in salary, and length, and provides varying levels of supervisory status or program support.

Applications will be kept on file and qualified applicants contacted by the respective hiring manager for an interview. Applicants may withdraw their application from the pool at any time. This pool may be refreshed annually and interested applicants must reapply for continued consideration.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or call 541-552-8553.

Date application must be received for priority consideration by: March 20, 2026
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: May 15, 2026
Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled:
Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional
Division/Department: Outreach and Engagement
Compensation Range: $15.50 - $40.00 per hour depending upon roles and responsibilities
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Appointment Basis: Temporary/Short-Term
Time Type: Part-Time
Benefits Eligible: No
Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration: Non-renewable/Limited Duration
These are short-term (one to two week) assignments during the summer
This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: A license may be required depending upon position
This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes
Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities: Maybe depending upon position
Remote Work Type: On-campus
All staff, with the exception of Instructors, are required to reside in on-campus dormitories for the duration of camp and sleep in their assigned rooms each night.
Worker Status: Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

• Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; and (2) current resume/CV. - PLEASE NOTE - during the application process, you will be prompted to attach these documents in the area titled 'Resume.' Please either combine ALL documents into ONE attachment, OR upload each item separately in this section. Failure to upload ALL of the required documents may disqualify application from consideration.
• For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or by phone at (541)552-8553.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Summer Camp and other Native Youth Events held throughout the year. Positions will vary. Position summaries are as follows:

KONAWAY NIKA TILLICUM ELDER

The role of Konaway Elder is that of support for Native students as they explore their relationships with one another, and develop into a community of Native Youth at Konaway camp. Youth during Konaway are challenged to think about who they are now, and what they dream for their futures, and have an opportunity to dive deep into an exploration of identity, and their own Native cultures. Elders support the growth and development of all Konaway youth regardless of where they are in their personal journey. Konaway Elders also provide support for staff members who are supervising students, and organizing classes, workshops, and other events during the week of camp.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise and experience in working with Native students and communities.
• Experience working with middle and high school students.
• Strong communication skills, flexibility, and ability to problem-solve quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to support needs of student participants.
• Able to make fulltime commitment during KONAWAY.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience teaching or mentoring Native Youth.

DUTIES:

(80%) Duties Include:

• Support the work of the Konaway Leadership team.
• Lead or participate in events as required for Long House Nights.
• Provide support as needed to students and staff, as a mentor and counselor.

(20%) Duties Include:

• Working with Konaway staff to support program logistics when possible.
• Attend staff training and have an awareness of protocols for emergency situations.

KONAWAY NIKA TILLICUM HEAD RESIDENT

Head resident must be enthusiastic, enjoy working with youth, have leadership abilities and a strong sense of how to work as a team member. This position requires time management and organization skills, and the ability to prioritize and problem-solve in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. The Head Resident must model responsible behavior including punctuality, appropriate attire, focus on the task at hand, and conflict mediation. People skills, ability to oversee college students and a strong work ethic are core components of this position.

MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with Native youth, and middle and high school students.
• Experience leading teams using effective communication skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities and coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to proactively assess camp operations and anticipate potential needs.

PREFERRED:

• Basic First Aid training
• CPR training
• Head residents must have at least one year of previous experience as a Konaway Nika Tillicum Senior Counselor.
• Head Residents should have completed at least two years of college and should be currently pursuing or have attained a college degree.

DUTIES:

(80%) Duties Include:

• Coordinate and equitably divide Head Resident duties between both Head Residents.
• Supervise Senior Counseling staff and act as a role model and mentor.
• Manage health and wellness initiatives including the dispensing of mediation, and tracking of emergencies and health incidents at camp.

(20%) Duties Include:

• Attend required staff meetings and training sessions.
• May be asked to lead some of the staff training sessions.
• Keep constant awareness of the flow of camp activities, and proactively support where needed.

KONAWAY NIKA TILLICUM SENIOR COUNSELORS

Senior Counselors must be enthusiastic, high-energy, responsible, mature, and emotionally stable individuals who enjoy working with youth. Candidates should have leadership abilities and a strong sense of how to work as a team member. The Senior Counselor should be an outstanding role model for participants. Counselors must model responsible behavior including punctuality, appropriate attire and good personal hygiene, positive attitude, compassion, wise decision-making, and intellectual curiosity. Senior Counselors should establish good relationships with students by initiating conversations and activities, conducting living group meetings, and ensuring that all students feel included and welcomed.

Each Senior Counselor will be assigned to supervise 8-10 students during those times when students are not involved in classes. The time commitment for the job is considerable. Students will range in age from 11-18 years; depending on the student there may be a need for high level supervision. Senior Counselors are an integral part of the supervision required. Counselors must have the self-discipline to manage sufficient rest needed for maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and supervisory responsibility during a rigorous daily/week schedule.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Personal experience working with Native youth or Native communities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work within an ever-changing work environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to always put a positive face forward no matter the circumstances, and ability to function in a calm, efficient, and supportive manner, especially in crisis situations.
• Senior Counselors must be at least 18 years old.
• Counselors must be enrolled in a college or university and have completed their freshman year.

PREFERRED:

• Basic First Aid training
• CPR training
• Life Guard training

DUTIES:

(80%) Duties Include:

• Be directly responsible for 8-12 students assigned to your supervision.
• Lead group activities with your group, and be available for counseling, problem solving etc.
• Assist students with minor first aid, and be familiar with and provide support of regular medication needs as outlined by parents/guardians.

(20%) Duties Include:

• Attend required staff meetings and training sessions.
• Keep constant awareness of the flow of camp activities, and proactively support where needed.
• Alert Head Residents to issues as they arise.

KONAWAY NIKA TILLICUM INSTRUCTOR

Instructors will develop and implement an engaging and enriching class curriculum for a class of students of a specified age for four consecutive days in one week. These classes are designed to be educational and enjoyable, to engage students in critical thinking, and to inspire students to envision themselves as future college students. Instructors agree to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for students with clearly communicated expectations for safety, respect, and responsibility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience teaching Native youth or working in Native communities.
• 1+ years of experience with the subject matter.
• In the last year of Undergraduate OR 20+ years old.
• Ability to create age-appropriate engaging curriculum for 4-5 days of no more than 90 minutes of class time.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A college graduate.
• 1+ years of teaching professionally in a classroom setting.

DUTIES:

(80%) Duties Include:

• Be directly responsible for 8-12 students assigned to your supervision.
• Lead group activities with your group, and be available for counseling, problem solving etc.
• Assist students with minor first aid, and be familiar with and provide support of regular medication needs as outlined by parents/guardians.

(20%) Duties Include:

• Attend required staff meetings and training sessions.
• Keep constant awareness of the flow of camp activities, and proactively support where needed.
• Alert Head Residents to issues as they arise.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities (all positions)

• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork between students by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive atmosphere and creating community- oriented relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS (all positions)

• These positions are designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive positions and therefore, requires the successful completion of a Criminal Background Check and adherence to confidentiality agreements.
• Persons employed in these positions are considered 'mandated reporters' under the Oregon Revised Statutes and are required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• This position classification has been defined as non-exempt and is subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• All staff are required to attend staff trainings prior to the start of camp. Staff training, orientation sessions, and work parties are an important part of preparing for camp. Summer Camp staff will be notified of specific times and locations of trainings after acceptance.
• For all Summer Camp positions (with the exception of Instructors): These are short-term positions requiring employees to be available around the clock to support camper and fellow staff needs throughout the 6-7 days of camp.
• All staff, with the exception of Instructors, are required to reside in on-campus dormitories for the duration of camp and sleep in their assigned rooms each night.
• Senior Counselors are expected to take all meals with their campers.