Housing Specialist in Milwaukie, Oregon at Native American Youth And Family Center

NAYA Family Center is seeking a dedicated and caring Housing Specialist to support families experiencing homelessness at khwat yaka haws (Auntie's Place) Family Shelter as they become document-ready, overcome rental screening barriers, and secure safe, affordable long-term housing. This role is central to maintaining a welcoming environment for families — leading stabilization planning, resource navigation, barrier mitigation, and flexible participant assistance that helps shelter families move into housing they can keep. If you're grounded, resourceful, and energized by helping families build stability, this role may be for you!

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.

The hourly pay rate for this role starts at $30/hour with a $1 pay differential for hours worked between 7pm and 7am.

Who You Are

• Ideally, you have lived or work experience in the Native community, and have an understanding of the diversity of the local Indigenous/Alaska Native community and the urban Indian experience.
• You have two or more years of experience working with people who are experiencing homelessness or you have had this experience yourself. It comes naturally to you to treat all people with dignity regardless of their current situation.
• You have at least six months of case management experience helping low-income or homeless people navigate housing systems, including document eligibility, applications, etc.
• You are a punctual person, and you don’t let your team or your clients down by being late.
• You know local community resources, emergency services, and social service agencies, with a focus on low-income and BIPOC communities.
• You are committed to trauma-informed care, non-violent communication, and productive conflict resolution.
• You have experience with the Assertive Engagement and Housing First models of service delivery (preferred).
• You can stay composed and use good judgment in stressful, trauma-affected shelter situations.
• You manage competing deadlines and workloads with strong organizational systems.
• You bring supportive de-escalation skills and clear, strength-based communication, including active listening and motivational interviewing.
• You are self aware. You are able to listen well and center others. You tend not to be defensive.
• You prefer a team environment at work, rather than working alone. You don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
• You are a quick learner with technology. You are detail oriented, so you don’t make mistakes when you enter data.
• You are certified (or able to become certified in the first 90 days) in CPR, First Aid, and AED; Mental Health First Aid or other crisis intervention methods; and Naloxone training.
• You have your own car and a valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license with no more than one major violation in the last three years, so that you can be covered under NAYA’s liability insurance.

What You'll Do

• Facilitate document readiness — birth certificates, identification, and other lease-up documentation — and provide a stabilization plan within three days of shelter admittance.
• Support permanent housing placement: search, application, landlord advocacy, and move-in support.
• Maintain responsive communication with property managers to help participants retain housing and avoid eviction, following up on any needed interventions.
• Regularly connect with and visit newly housed families, assessing ongoing needs and supporting housing stabilization for at least two years after placement.
• Provide barrier mitigation to support rapid transitions into housing.
• Deliver trauma-informed, culturally based services aligned with the Relational World View Model, helping participants reconnect with culture and tradition.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and safety precautions while transporting participants or working with them in the community and in their homes.
• Facilitate weekly housing navigation groups and other duties as assigned by the Family Shelter Manager.
• Coordinate wraparound services with other NAYA programs and staff, and maintain accurate records in systems such as Case Worthy and SharePoint.

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 Andulia Sanchez, Family Shelter 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.