Job placement specialist helps Native Americans find employment with Tribe

Observer Staff

1/11/2006 12:00:00 AM

My name is Tonia Leaureaux and I recently began my new position as the Native American job placement specialist for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.

This is a new position that was created to assist Native Americans in finding a job at either Tribal Operations or the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The Tribe does provide preference in hiring, but it still can be difficult to find a job within the organization, so I am here to assist and answer any questions.

Prior to this position I was a job placement specialist for the casino, so I am familiar with the hiring and recruitment process. Whereas my former position handled the applications for specific departments, my new position will handle all incoming applications that fall under the Tribe's Indian Preference Policy. Since the position is new, we are working on how the process is going to be handled.

We've got the basics covered, but there are situations that continue to come up occasionally and we'll deal with those as they arise.

In terms of planning, our goal is to work closely with the Tribal Education Department to develop programming and ideas to assist Tribal youth in pursuit of job related skills, as well as to guide qualified individuals over to the Career Development Program and the Leadership Program when openings exist. Both of these programs are offered through the Higher Education Office, and it's a wonderful way to get employment experience while still attending college.

We're also looking into training opportunities which would be beneficial to both the individual and the organization. If anyone has any suggestions on trainings, let me know. We're always open to suggestions.

Below is an outline of the Tribe's Preference Policy, Rehire Policy and tips for job-seekers: Preference Policy

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will provide preference to Native Americans meeting minimum position qualifications who have equal qualifications for the position to those of other applicants. The following criteria will be utilized where applicable:

1. A member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan;

2. Direct descendants of members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan; and

3. All others who are members of federally recognized Tribes indigenous to the United States or an indigenous/aboriginal Tribe of Canada.

All persons applying for positions with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan who claim preference as stated above must show proof of membership at the time of application.

Acceptable proof of membership is a membership card, voter registration card, parent's membership card or enrollment number. Rehire Policy

For those applicants who have previously worked for the Tribe, there are a few things you should know about the rehire policy.

Associates who were terminated from SECR or Tribal Operations will be considered ineligible for one year from the date they were terminated.

Associates who resign under good terms will be considered ineligible for three months at SECR, but will have no waiting period at Tribal Operations.

There are a few instances when an associate can be permanently ineligible for rehire, if anyone has any questions please contact me. Tips for job seekers

There are a few common mistakes that applicants make when applying for a job. For those job seekers that are experiencing trouble finding a job, here are some tips:

-Read the minimum qualifications on the job description. This is crucial. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications for the job, you will not get an interview.

-Make sure the application is completely filled out, including your job history even if you've already worked for the Tribe. Failure to list this information could result in your application being screened out for not meeting minimum qualifications.

-Include proper documentation to be considered for preference. Applications without proper documentation will not be considered for preference.

-Make sure address & phone number information on the application is updated and correct.

-Apply for more than one job.

I am available to help with the application process and any questions regarding the hiring process. You can visit me at Human Resources in the Black Elk Building or by calling (989) 775-0086.