Employment Opportunities
Our Vision
Rooted in Dakota values, Prairie Island Indian Community will be a forward-thinking, sovereign nation focused on achieving unity, prosperity, and security for our Tiwahe (family).
Our Mission
Prairie Island Indian Community will achieve our Tribal vision by embracing innovation to ensure well-being of our Tribal Members, to honor those who came before us, and to prepare for the next seven generations.
Current Employment Opportunities
If you have questions, please contact:
Bailey Saas, Human Resources Coordinator
Office 1-800-554-5473 Ext. 4121
E-mail: Bailey.Saas@piic.org
Request for Candidate Submissions
Request for Proposals
Associate Tribal Court Judge
Associate Tribal Court Judge for the Prairie Island Indian Community
OPENING DATE: March 11, 2024
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Open until filled
The Prairie Island Indian Community is a federally-recognized Indian tribe (the “Tribe”), located in southeastern Minnesota along the banks of the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Tribe is seeking proposals from qualified professionals to serve as an Associate Judge for the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Court (“Tribal Court”).
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Associate Judge shall carry out the duties and obligations of the office in accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution and Courts Ordinance (both available at http://prairieisland.org/gover...). The Courts Ordinance outlines the role of the Court and the duties of the Judges.
The Tribal Court system includes a trial and appellate level, and hears a wide variety of civil cases that include, but are not limited to, child welfare, guardianships and conservatorships, custody and divorce proceedings, land disputes, election challenges, and contractual or other civil disputes. The Associate Judge is expected to be available year-round and be able to preside over hearings at the Tribal Court located on the Prairie Island Indian Reservation. The Associate Judge will preside over cases where the Chief Judge has a conflict, or as otherwise assigned by the Chief Judge. The Associate Judge must prepare and issue written orders and judgments. The Associate Judge must keep accurate records of cases and court hearings. The Associate Judge will be expected to conduct research and recommend updates to the Judicial Code, and to assist in the development of Tribal Court policies and procedures.
The terms and compensation for this position will be set forth in the negotiated agreement between the Associate Judge and the Tribe.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Candidates must submit: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume or biographical information, (3) two writing samples, and (4) three references. Candidates’ submissions must demonstrate that he or she has the ability to execute the duties and obligations outlined in the Tribe’s Judicial Code and the Constitution.
Specific consideration will be given to a candidates’:
- Experience as a judge/justice in tribal, state or federal systems;
- Experience as a legal practitioner in tribal, state or federal systems;
- Experience with child welfare, guardianships and conservatorship cases;
- Knowledge of Indian and Federal law; and
- Written and oral communication skills.
Educational requirements are not proscribed by the Constitution or Judicial Code, but a four-year degree, and relevant schooling including a juris doctorate degree, are preferred. Prairie Island tribal member and Native American preference applies.
PIIC HANDLING OF PROPOSALS:
Proposals will be reviewed by a proposal evaluation team. The proposal evaluation team shall evaluate the proposals in accordance with the “Evaluation Criteria” section of this Request for Proposals. Based on this evaluation, candidates will be contacted for in-person interviews. Final issuance of this contract will be subject to the negotiation of mutually-agreeable terms.
IMPORTANT CONTRACT INFORMATION:
Submissions and inquiries regarding the Associate Judge position may be directed to:
Bailey Saas, Human Resources Coordinator
Prairie Island Indian Community
5636 Sturgeon Lake Road Welch, MN 55089
Office: 1-800-554-5473, ext. 4121
E-mail: Bailey.Saas@piic.org
Licensed Therapy Services
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Licensed Therapy Services
for the Prairie Island Indian Community
SERVICES REQUIRED:
The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), a federally recognized Indian tribe, is seeking proposals from a licensed therapist to enter into an independent contractor arrangement for providing individual, family or group therapeutic services to members of the community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The PIIC will accept proposals from firms and individuals who perform therapy services and qualify as a licensed Clinical Social Worker or a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the State of Minnesota, and have experience working with diverse populations, teens, children, and family systems. The professional should also have experience in: individual and family therapy; facilitating group sessions in the areas of anxiety, depression and/or grief; and therapy for issues related to sexual abuse, historical trauma and domestic violence.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Provide professional therapeutic services as needed to members of the PIIC, in coordination with the PIIC Family Services Department.
OVERVIEW:
The consultant will be responsible for:
1. Providing individual therapy sessions;
2. Providing family therapy sessions;
3. Performing group facilitation in the areas of depression, anxiety, and grief;
4. Performing diagnostic assessments on a very limited bases (approximately 5-7 per year) and writing clinical recommendations regarding clients upon request.
5. Collaborate with PIIC staff regarding grant programs, and comply with all terms of applicable grants.
6. Providing detailed / itemized monthly invoices identifying the work completed and the basis for any charges to the PIIC.
7. Trained or willingness to be trained to perform CASII assessment tool on a very limited basis (approximately 2-3 times per year) upon request
FEES:
Submitted proposals should clearly indicate specific hourly fees, costs and/or billing rate(s) for work conducted under the Scope of Work, including varying rates, if any, for the individuals who will be performing any services and/or varying rates, if any, for services performed.
The PIIC may select firms or individuals for interview from among those submitting proposals and reserves the right, prior to awarding a contract, to request additional information if warranted.
PIIC HANDLING OF PROPOSALS:
Proposals furnished to the PIIC will be evaluated by a proposal evaluation team. The proposal evaluation team shall evaluate the proposals in accordance with the “Selection Criteria for Award” section of this Request for Proposals. Based on this evaluation, a firm(s) or individual(s) will be contacted for in person interviews. Upon selection, the final award is subject to the negotiation of a professional services contract. The contract will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community. Appropriate insurance for therapy providers will be required.
IMPORTANT CONTRACT INFORMATION:
Proposals, with the requested information, must be received by the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council, 5636 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch, MN 55089 or can be submitted via e-mail to PIIC Family Services Director Anne Turnbull at anne.turnbull@piic.org
If you have questions related to this request or to submitting a proposal, please contact PIIC Family Services Director Anne Turnbull at anne.turnbull@piic.org.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
Part-Time Registered Dietitian
Request for Proposal (RFP) - Part-Time Registered Dietitian Services for Prairie Island Health Center
The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced registered dietitians with current credentials for the State of Minnesota to provide part-time services specifically tailored to individuals with diabetes at the Prairie Island Health Center (PIHC). The selected dietitian will be responsible for delivering expert nutritional guidance, education, and support to our patients, promoting optimal health outcomes for those managing diabetes, developing detailed nutritional care plans; providing nutritional consulting services to patients; assessing nutritional needs related to several types of diabetes; interviewing techniques and patient care management; providing nutritional education to individuals, families, and community groups. In addition, the contractor will be responsible for oversight of the federal grant program Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). This includes completion of all required SDPI training, execution of all project-related activities, timely submission of reports and evaluations, and rigorous expenditure monitoring to guarantee compliance with Indian Health Service standards. This RFP and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance.
Project Overview:
PIIC is a reputable healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality care to our community, with a focus on the unique healthcare needs of the Native American population. We are currently seeking a Part-Time Registered Dietitian with expertise in diabetes management to join our team and provide services two days a week at the Prairie Island Health Center. Work involves delivering nutritional services to the population as part of comprehensive healthcare program, and providing and evaluating nutritional services for individuals and program on continuing basis. The work has direct effects on quality of life and health for medical patients and their families and the results also affect the promotion of health and the prevention of disease for all ages of the population served and improvements in nutritional services or programs provided to the local community.
Scope of Services:
The selected Part-Time Registered Dietitian will be required to perform the following services:
- Conduct nutritional assessments for patients with diabetes.
- Develop personalized dietary plans to manage and prevent complications associated with diabetes.
- Provide individual and group nutritional counseling sessions.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals within the clinic to ensure integrated and comprehensive patient care.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in diabetes management and nutrition.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:
- Registered Dietitian credentials with current licensure for the State of Minnesota.
- Demonstrated experience in working with patients diagnosed with diabetes.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultural and health needs of the Native American population.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Availability to work two days a week at the PIHC.
- Eligible to work under grant-funded programming, and able to comply with all program requirements if engaged (PIIC can provide detailed requirements upon request).
Proposal Submission:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their proposals by April 5, 2024. The proposal should include the following:
- Cover letter expressing interest and summarizing relevant experience.
- Resume detailing qualifications and experience.
- Description of previous experience working with diabetes patients.
- Proposed schedule for providing services two days a week at the Prairie Island Health Center.
- Proof of current Registered Dietitian credentials for the State of Minnesota.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Three professional references.
Please submit your proposal to Melanie Urich at Melanie.Urich@piic.org by April 5, 2024.
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant experience and expertise in diabetes management.
- Cultural competence and understanding of the unique healthcare needs of the Native American population.
- Proposed schedule and availability.
- Proof of current RD credentials for the State of Minnesota.
- Professional references.
Prairie Island Indian Community Peacemaker
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Prairie Island Indian Community Peacemaker
SERVICES REQUIRED:
The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), a federally recognized Indian tribe, is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or organizations to provide peacemaker services aimed at mediating and resolving conflicts within our community. The peacemaker will be responsible for facilitating dialogue, promoting understanding, and fostering peaceful resolutions to disputes and tensions among Community Members.
This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of PIIC, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance.
Prairie Island Indian Community is committed to promoting harmony, understanding, and cooperation within our community. However, we recognize that conflicts and disagreements may arise from time to time, and we believe that the services of a skilled peacemaker can help us address these issues in a constructive and positive manner.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The PIIC will accept proposals from individuals and organizations who possess the following:
• Proven experience in conflict resolution and mediation, preferably in community settings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain neutral and impartial
• Knowledge of mediation and negotiation techniques, as well as an understanding of cultural sensitivity and diversity
• Relevant certifications or training in conflict resolution, mediation, or peacemaking well as an understanding of cultural sensitivity and diversity. - Relevant certifications or training in
Applicants also should be eligible to work under grant-funding programming and able to comply with all grant requirements, if engaged (PIIC can provide detailed requirements, upon request).
SCOPE OF WORK:
The selected peacemaker(s) will be expected to perform the following:
• Mediate disputes and conflicts between individuals, groups, or organizations within the community
• Facilitate dialogue and communication between conflicting parties to promote understanding and empathy
• Help parties involved in disputes to identify common ground and work towards mutually acceptable solutions
2
SUBMISSIONS:
Submissions in response to this RFP should include a letter of interest, resume, and three references. The letter of interest should outline hourly fee expectations.
IMPORTANT CONTRACT INFORMATION:
Proposals should be sent via email to deb.english@piic.org
If you have questions related to this request or to submitting a proposal, please contact Deb English, Tribal Court Administrator, at 651-385-4161.
Dated this 7th day of February, 2024
Tribal Building Code Consultant Services
Request for Proposal:
Tribal Building Code Consultant Services
The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC or Tribe) is a Federally Recognized Tribe in Minnesota. PIIC is seeking a proficient and reliable consultant to advise the Tribe in making updates and improvements to its Building Code to benefit the health, safety, and environmental goals of the community. The consultant will collaborate closely with PIIC departments to research, consider, recommend, and implement code amendments and compliance systems. PIIC will work with the selected consultant to develop an appropriate timeline, targeting early 2024 for project kick-off. This RFP and the consultant contract will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance.
Scope of Consultant Activities
The selected consultant will engage in a range of pivotal activities, including:
- Understanding content and context of PIIC existing building codes.
- Researching and advising PIIC on potential improvements to the code language, including:
- Structural and topical components of codes; and
- Content of codes, including references to external sources and/or custom material.
- Developing draft custom codes language as identified above.
- Assisting PIIC in establishing code compliance and administration procedures, processes, roles, resources, and fees.
- Project management and stakeholder engagement.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants for the consultant role should possess the following qualifications:
- A track record in performing the above requested services related to federal, state, tribal, and/or local building codes.
- Preferred candidates would have direct experience working with tribes to develop building codes that align with international and state codes.
- Proficiency in navigating the breadth and intricacies of building codes, including competency with the following essential areas:
- Construction specialties: structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire and life safety, energy conservation/green building.
- Building types: commercial, residential, manufactured/prefabricated structures
- Applications: new construction, renovation.
- A demonstrated aptitude for generating meticulous building code-related deliverables.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of fostering effective collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments.
- Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
- Eligible to work under grant-funded programming, and able to comply with all grant requirements if engaged (PIIC can provide detailed requirements upon request)
- Relevant professional licensing and certifications strongly encouraged.
Submission Requirements
Proposals should address the following:
- Ability to provide services for the identified scope of work.
- Ability to meet the minimum (and preferred) qualifications.
- Resumes of key staff, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
- Fee structure, encompassing the rates for the proposed consulting services
Submit RFP responses by 5:00pm CST on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 to Andrea.Zimmerman@piic.org.
Tribal Court Guardians Ad Litem
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Tribal Court Guardians Ad Litem
for the Prairie Island Indian Community
SERVICES REQUIRED:
The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), a federally recognized Indian tribe, is seeking proposals from: attorneys, and non-attorneys who have received appropriate training as guardians ad litem, for minor children in CHIPS and CHINS proceedings, in private custody disputes, and/or for elderly or disabled persons in Tribal or State Courts of Minnesota.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The PIIC will accept proposals from attorneys and non-attorneys, provided the non-attorneys have received appropriate training as guardians ad litem in Tribal or State courts. The applicant must have experience working in Tribal communities or advocating for Native children in other settings.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Conduct investigations and prepare reports in ongoing legal proceedings involving minor children involved in the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Court system, including in cases involving alleged abuse and neglect of children, Children in Need of Supervision proceedings, private custody disputes, and in proceedings involving elderly or incapacitated Community members. The candidate should have the ability to appear in Tribal Court, make oral presentations, and be subjected to direct and cross-examination on their opinions and investigations.
OVERVIEW:
The contractor will be responsible for:
1. Conducting thorough investigations that may involve travel;
2. Submitting appropriate written and/or oral reports to the Tribal Court; and
3. Maintaining strict confidentiality.
Submissions
Submissions in response to this RFP should include a letter of interest, resume, and three references. The letter of interest should outline hourly fee expectations.
Important Contract Information
Proposals should be sent via email to: deb.english@piic.org
If you have questions related to this request or to submitting a proposal, please contact: Deb English, Clerk of Court for the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Court, at 651-385-4161.
Dated this 6th day of February, 2023.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefit package for all regular, full-time employees. Benefits include the following:
• Free, on-site medical clinic for employees enrolled in our medical plan
• Variety of free prescription medications
• Paid time off – vacation, sick and holiday pay
• 13 paid holidays plus 2 paid half-day holidays
• Retirement – 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Health & wellness coverage – medical, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts – healthcare and dependent care reimbursement accounts
• Life insurance – employer paid basic life insurance
• Supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Supplemental coverage – short-term, long-term disability, and accident
• Generous paid bereavement leave
• Identity theft protection
• Education reimbursement opportunities – for pre-approved specific, job-related education
• Employee assistance program (EAP) – face-to-face counseling, legal assistance, financial assistance, ID recovery, tobacco cessation, dependent care and daily living resources, and crisis consultation
• Health club reimbursement
• Free access to onsite fitness center
• Employee fuel discount
With the exception of Indian preference, it is the policy of the Prairie Island Indian Community to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin. This policy is based upon the philosophy of the Equal Employment Act of 1996. Indian preference applies for all employment vacancies pursuant to Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), approved by Tribal Council Resolution 22-11-02-202.
Prairie Island Indian Community is a drug-free work environment.
Core Values
Bdewakantuŋwaŋ - Those born of the water
Woksape - Wisdom
Wowaȟbada - Peace or Calm
Waciŋic’iya - Self dependence
Akhidečheča - Equality
Wowacaŋtohnake - Generosity
Oahe - Foundation