Pathway Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Join our team at the Tuolumne Me Wuk Indian Health Center, where we offer more than just a job - we provide a community-focused environment with competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, and a true work-life balance.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan, ensuring you and your family are well cared for. Plus, take advantage of Indian Health Service Loan Forgiveness opportunities to advance your career while reducing your student debt.
Located in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada foothills, our location offers not just a fulfilling career but the chance to explore a region full of stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation. Spend your days helping others grow professionally and your evenings and weekends hiking through serene mountain trails, kayaking on pristine lakes, or enjoying the charm of historic Downtown Sonora. With its vibrant culture, unique shops, and year-round festivals, you'll find endless ways to connect and thrive.
Whether you're seeking professional growth or outdoor excitement, Tuolumne County is the perfect place to build your future. Apply today and start your next adventure with us!
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Title: Tribal Career Pathway Program Participant
Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer
Wage Range: Year 1: $45,000 -- $55,000 Year 2: $55,000 -- $75,000 (based on credits and experience)
Schedule: M-F; 8-5 (with flexibility based on rotation requirements)
Status: Non-Exempt (Year 1) / Exempt (Year 2, based on classification review)
Duration: 24-Month Pilot Program
Summary: The Tribal Career Pathway participant participates in the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center's Tribal Career Pathway Program, a structured 24-month pilot designed to build healthcare careers for tribal members attending college or planning to further their education. Under the general supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer and assigned rotation mentors, the participant completes customized departmental rotations across core health center functions, develops a professional skills portfolio, and completes a capstone project aligned to a strategic organizational need. The Tribal Career Pathway supports the health center's mission of delivering culturally competent care rooted in tribal values and aims to develop tribal healthcare professionals. This role requires initiative, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to serving the tribal community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Will include but not limited to)
Departmental Rotations
Participant will complete structured rotations across core departments. Within each rotation, focus areas will be tailored to the participant's individual career goals while ensuring broad organizational exposure. Core rotation areas include:

• Human Resources: Recruitment support, onboarding coordination, policy administration, employee relations exposure, and HR systems (Paycom).
• Finance & Grants: Budget preparation support, grant audit assistance, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
• IT & Operations: Health information systems, electronic health records (EHR), operational workflow support, and technology project assistance.
• Community Programs & Outreach: Community health initiative coordination, program planning support, and patient engagement activities.
• Clinical Administration: Scheduling and access operations, credentialing support, AAAHC accreditation activities, and quality improvement projects.

Professional Development & Portfolio

• Complete reflection reports following each departmental rotation.
• Develop a portfolio of demonstrated skills including analysis, leadership, compliance review, presentation development, and project management.
• Participate in leadership workshops, certifications, conferences, and other assigned professional development activities.
• Maintain an individualized career development plan in collaboration with assigned mentor, reviewed annually.

Capstone Project

• Design and complete a capstone project that connects the Participant's area of career focus to a defined strategic health center need.
• Present the completed capstone project to the Board of Directors at the conclusion of the program.

Cultural Engagement & Tribal Committee Service

• May participate in up to 5 hours per week of tribal committee service, as coordinated with the program supervisor.
• May utilize up to 5 paid cultural leave days annually for traditional activities and ceremonies.
• Serve as an engaged representative of the tribal community within the health center environment.

General Responsibilities

• Adhere to HIPAA, confidentiality regulations, and all TMWIHC policies at all times.
• Communicate and interact professionally with staff, vendors, partner agencies, and patients.
• Demonstrate a customer-service-oriented approach in all organizational interactions.
• Participate in all scheduled evaluations and annual reviews.
• Maintain active enrollment in a college degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SKILLS

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments.
• Professionalism and composure in a fast-paced, community-facing healthcare environment.
• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with RPMS or EHR systems preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage concurrent assignments and shifting priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION

• Must be an enrolled member or lineal descent of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. (Tuolumne Band preference applied per Indian Preference Act).
• Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in a college-level degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants not currently enrolled will still be considered if they meet all other eligibility and selection standards as well as demonstrate a readiness to enroll in a college-level program.
• Submission of a recommendation letter from a faculty member, employer, or community leader.
• Submission of a work product sample (written project, analysis, or proposal).
• Completion of a 10-minute presentation on the topic of "Healthcare and the Tribal Community" as part of the selection process.
• Selection via panel interview including HR, health center leadership, and a tribal representative.

COMPENSATION ELIGIBILITY

• Base salary aligned to comparable market role
• Adjustments may be applied for 90+ college credits completed (+$2,000) and 2+ years of relevant work experience (+5%).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods; climbing stairs and stepstools; stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, and reaching; pushing, pulling, and lifting to 30 pounds; and raising objects overhead. The role also requires manual dexterity for operating computers and phones, as well as hearing, talking, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers are involved. The employee may be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat and cold and will be required to walk on uneven ground. The position also requires the ability to safely operate and drive a motor vehicle.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace.
In accordance with the Indian Preference Act (25 U.S.C. §§ 472 & 473) and Public Law 93-638, qualified Native American and Alaskan Native applicants will be given preference, provided appropriate documentation is submitted. In-house postings also include Tribal Voting Members.
All positions require cultural sensitivity and the ability to interact respectfully and effectively with diverse tribal communities.
PROGRAM DISCLAIMER:
This Tribal Career Pathway is a pilot program subject to organizational capacity, budget availability, and compliance with applicable tribal, federal, and state employment and tax regulations. Compensation is contingent on HR and Finance review. Tuition reimbursement is subject to IRS educational assistance guidelines and maintained academic performance. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee permanent employment; career placement is subject to organizational need and available positions. Program design may be modified based on operational feasibility and annual evaluation outcomes.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment TB test, background check, and drug screening.