Housing Specialist

Native American Youth And Family Center•Portland, OR

35d•Onsite

About The Position

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!

Requirements

Two or more years of experience working with people who are experiencing homelessness or have had this experience themselves.
At least six months of case management experience helping low-income or homeless people navigate housing systems, including document eligibility, applications, etc.
Punctual and reliable.
Knowledge of local community resources, emergency services, and social service agencies, with a focus on low-income and BIPOC communities.
Commitment to trauma-informed care, non-violent communication, and productive conflict resolution.
Ability to stay composed and use good judgment in stressful, trauma-affected shelter situations.
Strong organizational systems to manage competing deadlines and workloads.
Supportive de-escalation skills and clear, strength-based communication, including active listening and motivational interviewing.
Self-aware, good listener, centers others, not defensive.
Prefers a team environment and is willing to pitch in.
Quick learner with technology and detail-oriented for data entry.
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.
Own car and a valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license with no more than one major violation in the last three years.

Nice To Haves

Lived or work experience in the Native community, with an understanding of the diversity of the local Indigenous/Alaska Native community and the urban Indian experience.
Experience with the Assertive Engagement and Housing First models of service delivery.

Responsibilities

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.