Native American Youth And Family Center·Portland, Oregon
Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, and case management for Native American survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Assist clients in obtaining safe housing through landlord advocacy, financial assistance, and community resource navigation.
Description NAYA Family Center is seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and culturally responsive Domestic Violence Housing Advocate to join our Healing Circle Program. This role provides confidential, trauma-informed advocacy and housing support for Native American survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. In this role, you'll walk alongside survivors as they navigate some of life's most difficult circumstances, providing crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, housing advocacy, and financial assistance. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while honoring Native traditions, resilience, and community.
NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) with up to 6% match, 16 paid holidays, and sick and vacation accrual that increases with tenure. This is a full-time position with general working hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings and weekends, may be required. Following successful onboarding and with supervisor approval, employees may have the opportunity to work remotely 1–2 days per week while maintaining a strong in-person presence with clients and community partners.
Pay for this position starts at $27.00 per hour.
Who You Are Ideally, you have knowledge of Native American history and experience working within diverse populations, including urban and reservation Native American communities.
You are passionate about supporting survivors and believe every individual deserves access to safety, stable housing, and culturally specific, trauma-informed services.
You have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, or equivalent professional or lived experience supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence and/or individuals experiencing homelessness.
You understand the complex intersections of domestic violence, sexual assault, housing instability, poverty, and systemic barriers, and you approach your work with empathy, respect, and cultural humility.
You have experience providing case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, or housing navigation and are comfortable managing a caseload while balancing competing priorities.
You build trusting relationships with survivors, community partners, landlords, and service providers, advocating effectively while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
You communicate clearly, stay organized, and complete documentation accurately while meeting funding, reporting, and compliance requirements.
You are comfortable working both in the community and in office settings and understand that flexibility is essential when supporting individuals in crisis.
You hold—or are able to obtain—the required certifications, including 40-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Training, CPR/First Aid certification, and other position-related credentials.
What You'll Do Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and housing instability.
Support participants in obtaining and maintaining safe housing through rental and utility assistance, relocation support, landlord advocacy, and resource navigation.
Maintain an active caseload while developing individualized goal plans, conducting assessments, and connecting participants to community resources.
Deliver mobile advocacy and outreach services in shelters, outreach locations, and community settings, helping survivors access services where they are.
Build collaborative relationships with landlords, housing authorities, utility providers, community organizations, and partner agencies to remove barriers to housing stability.
Complete required documentation, case notes, data entry, and reporting accurately and in compliance with grant requirements, confidentiality standards, and VAWA guidelines.
Distribute client assistance funds and basic needs supplies responsibly while maintaining compliance with program and funding requirements.
Provide navigation services at the Gateway Center for Domestic Violence and assist with hotline coverage and outreach efforts as needed.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, community collaborations, and professional development opportunities that strengthen services for survivors.
Contribute as an active member of the Healing Circle and Family Services teams while supporting cross-department collaboration and NAYA's mission to serve Urban Native youth and families.
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? Feel free to contact us at jobs@nayapdx.org
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.
Requires a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, or equivalent professional/lived experience. Must be able to obtain certifications in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy and CPR/First Aid.
Market context
In Oregon, behavioral-health peer support roles often see steady demand in community mental health, recovery, and crisis support settings. These positions are competitive because employers look for lived recovery experience, certification eligibility, and practical requirements like a valid Oregon driver’s license and background clearance. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your certification path and gather documentation before applying.