Traci Couture
Polson
Summary
Strategic Program Administrator and workforce development leader with expertise in managing multi-program operations in tribal government and community service systems. Experience includes overseeing workforce, childcare, family support, and employment programs while ensuring compliance with tribal, federal, and grant regulations. Strengths in organizational leadership, fiscal oversight, and policy development drive workforce advancement and enhance community partnerships.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Workforce Program Manager
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Pablo
02.2026 - Current
- Provide executive-level oversight for workforce and family support programs serving tribal members across multiple federally funded initiatives.
- Direct operations for workforce development and support programs including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Native Employment Works (NEW), BIA Job Development & Training (BIA J&T), Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program (TCSEP), Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), Childcare Block Grant (CCBG), Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and youth mentoring initiatives.
- Lead and supervise multidisciplinary staff including program coordinators, case managers, and administrative personnel (up to 20 employees).
- Managed program budgets, tracked finances, oversaw grant expenditures, and ensured compliance reporting across multiple funding streams.
- Ensure adherence to tribal, state, and federal regulatory requirements through policy development, internal monitoring, and program evaluation.
- Provided strategic planning, operational oversight, and technical guidance to enhance program performance and service delivery.
- Facilitate staff training, professional development, and performance evaluations.
- Collaborated with tribal leadership, federal agencies, and community partners to optimize workforce and social service systems.
- Represent programs in interagency meetings, trainings, and regional initiatives.
Job Readiness / WIOA & Employment Program Manager
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT)
Pablo
10.2018 - 02.2026
- Managed delivery of employment and training services under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enhancing access to workforce resources.
- Developed partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations to expand workforce opportunities, fostering job placements for participants.
- Supervised program staff, ensuring accurate monitoring of participant outcomes, case documentation, and adherence to performance benchmarks.
- Ensured compliance with federal workforce regulations and tribal program policies.
- Prepared required program reports, documentation, and performance tracking.
- Community Support Division
Case Manager – Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT)
Pablo
05.2014 - 10.2018
- Managed case management services for families in Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program (TCSEP), ensuring access to necessary resources and support.
- Managed child support cases, documentation, and coordination with tribal, state, and federal agencies.
- Guided families through program navigation, service access, and compliance requirements, enhancing understanding and participation.
- Provided culturally responsive support to tribal members and community families, promoting trust and engagement within the program.
- Community Support Division
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH06-2025
Skills
- Workforce Development Programs
- Program Administration
- Childcare Programs
- Family Support Programs
- Child Support Enforcement Program Management
- Grant Compliance
- Federal Program Compliance
- State Program Compliance
- Tribal Program Compliance
- Fiscal Oversight
- Budget Management
- Federal Reporting
- Policy Development
- Regulatory Interpretation
- Performance Monitoring
- Data Management
- Community Partnerships
- Interagency Collaboration
- Strategic Leadership
- Staff Supervision
- Leadership Development
- Customer Service
- Community Engagement
Professional References
Available upon request.
Regulatory And Program Knowledge
- CSKT Laws Codified
- Code of Federal Regulations (25 CFR Part 115, 25 CFR Part 20)
- Financial Assistance & Social Services Regulations
- Indian Affairs Manual (IAM)
- TANF Program Letters & Federal Guidance
- Native Employment Works (NEW) Regulations
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Regulations
- Childcare Block Grant (CCBG) Guidelines
- Public Law 102-477 Programs
- Federal Grants Management & Reporting
- CSKT Property & Procurement Manual
- Tribal Administrative Policies (Travel, Social Media, Program Compliance)
Professional Highlights
- Promoted through multiple leadership positions within the CSKT Community Support Division since 2013.
- Played a key leadership role in coordinating and implementing over 1,000 home repairs for tribal members through the ARPA Home Repair Program (2022–Present) on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
- Successfully managed multi-program operations across workforce development, family support services, and federally funded initiatives.
Timeline
Workforce Program Manager
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
02.2026 - Current
Job Readiness / WIOA & Employment Program Manager
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT)
10.2018 - 02.2026
Case Manager – Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT)
05.2014 - 10.2018
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University