Health Educator - Commercial Tobacco Prevention at Native American Youth And Family Center – Portland, Oregon

NAYA Family Center is seeking a Health Educator - Commercial Tobacco Prevention to advance culturally specific health education efforts focused on reducing the prevalence of commercial tobacco use in the Native community across the metro area. This role works collaboratively within the Health Equity program to implement culturally grounded programming that addresses upstream causes of commercial tobacco use while honoring traditional tobacco practices. The Health Educator builds individual and community capacity through outreach, education, coaching, and advocacy, ensuring cessation services and prevention efforts reflect the strength, resilience, and cultural values of Urban Native communities.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (with affordable options for family members), a 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match, paid vacation, and 16 paid holidays. This is a full-time position typically working 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings, weekends, and local travel as needed.

Pay for the position starts at $25 per hour.

Who You Are

• Ideally, you're familiar with Native American history and understand the diversity, strengths, and lived experiences of urban Native communities.
• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Community Health, or a related field, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
• You have at least one year of experience working as a health educator or in a related community health role.
• You are comfortable facilitating workshops, presentations, and group discussions, particularly with youth and elders.
• You understand the difference between traditional tobacco and commercial tobacco and respect the cultural significance of traditional practices.
• You are skilled at developing and tailoring culturally specific health education materials to different audiences.
• You are comfortable conducting outreach, informal counseling, and community engagement activities.
• You have experience researching and applying evidence-based or practice-based health information.
• You are organized and able to manage curriculum development, event planning, and reporting responsibilities simultaneously.
• You communicate clearly and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and can adapt to different situations.
• You are organized, reliable, and able to balance hands-on outdoor work with administrative and reporting responsibilities.
• You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, are adaptable, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
• You demonstrate self-awareness, listening deeply, centering others, and taking accountability for your actions.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and clients.
• You’re comfortable using databases, Microsoft Office, and email, and you're open to learning new systems.
• You can obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

What You'll Do

• Provide culturally centered health education focused on preventing commercial tobacco use and addressing related chronic health disparities.
• Plan and facilitate community events, workshops, health fairs, and cultural activities.
• Design, test, and teach youth-centered, elder-guided curriculum.
• Provide coaching, motivation, and education to individuals seeking to reduce or quit commercial tobacco use.
• Develop educational materials including brochures, newsletters, training materials, and outreach tools.
• Conduct in-service trainings and group education sessions on commercial tobacco prevention.
• Assist with traditional tobacco cultivation, curing, and distribution in collaboration with Wapas Nah Nee Shaku Garden staff.
• Collect community input through surveys, forums, and discussion groups to inform programming.
• Participate in program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Input and maintain accurate data in required database systems and assist with reporting.
• Coordinate effectively with other NAYA programs to provide wraparound support.
• Represent NAYA professionally at community events and public engagements.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

Application Instructions Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Gina Mengwasser, Health Equity Manager, or the HR team.

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.