HR and Special Projects Support Specialist

Native American Youth And Family Center•Portland, OR

22d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

NAYA Family Center is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative HR and Special Projects Support Specialist to support the Human Resources team and broader organizational initiatives. The role supports recruiting, onboarding, employee records, HRIS administration, benefits, and other core HR functions. It also partners with the COO and senior leadership on special projects, organizational assessments, culture-building efforts, and cross-departmental initiatives. The position provides cross-trained support for community reception and front office operations and may occasionally assist NAYA’s Data and Evaluation team. It is suited to an organized, adaptable professional who can manage competing priorities and contribute to a culturally specific, community-centered organization. The position is primarily office-based and is expected to work onsite five days per week, with limited exceptions. General working hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; a flexible schedule is available with approval. Occasional evenings and weekends may be assigned. Compensation is $28.00–$30.00 per hour.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher and/or HR or Business coursework or certification.
1–3 years of administrative, recruiting, or HR support experience.
Solid understanding of core HR functions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee records, benefits, confidentiality, and compliance.
Familiarity with FMLA, OFLA, and ADA.
Experience coordinating special projects or cross-functional initiatives and managing competing priorities, timelines, and deadlines with strong attention to detail.
Strong organization, discretion, professionalism, judgment, and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Comfort with HRIS and digital systems; proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, scheduling platforms, digital file management, and Canva.
Clear, professional communication skills and ability to adapt communication to different audiences and situations.
Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification upon hire if not already held.

Nice To Haves

Paylocity experience.
Experience working with diverse or culturally specific communities.
Understanding of culturally specific and trauma-informed workplace practices.

Responsibilities

Support recruiting logistics, interview coordination, onboarding, employee records, HRIS data entry, benefits communication, and routine employee inquiries.
Maintain accurate and confidential employee information and support HR compliance, reporting, audits, and digital file management.
Contribute to strategic HR initiatives, including compensation reviews, employee engagement, performance reviews, and organizational improvement efforts.
Partner with the COO and senior leadership on special projects, including organizational assessments, culture-building initiatives, cross-departmental projects, proposals, reports, and implementation plans.
Coordinate project timelines, track milestones, prepare deliverables, and facilitate stakeholder communication.
Support community-facing events, cross-departmental initiatives, and organizational priorities, including occasional projects with the Data and Evaluation team.
Provide cross-trained support for community reception and front office operations as needed.
Maintain confidentiality and contribute to a safe, respectful, culturally responsive, and collaborative workplace through participation in trainings, meetings, and team projects.