Supportive Housing and Retention Advocate

NAYA Family Center is seeking a dedicated Supportive Housing and Retention Advocate to support families experiencing homelessness secure and maintain long-term, stable housing. This role is deeply relational, requiring a strengths-based approach to empower families while coordinating with landlords, employers, and government agencies, including tribal nations. Success in this position requires strong advocacy skills, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to housing equity.

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 14 paid holidays.

This is a full-time role with work hours of 9 am to 6 pm with a one-hour unpaid lunch. Some evening and weekend work may be required based on project needs. Once training and onboarding are complete, there may be flexibility to work from home 1-2 day a week.

The salary for this position is $25.50 to $27 an hour.

Who You Are

• You are a compassionate and proactive advocate with experience working alongside diverse communities, particularly those affected by housing insecurity.
• You understand the systemic challenges contributing to homelessness and are committed to addressing them through direct service, relationship-building, and culturally responsive support.
• You excel in case management, housing navigation, and resource coordination, using approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Housing First.
• Your ability to balance empathy with professionalism ensures families receive the support they need to thrive.
• 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 possess strong communication skills, engaging effectively with diverse groups and adapting to varied contexts.
• 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 are proficient in computer skills, including web-based research, word processing, MS Excel, and email.

What You'll Do

• Guide families through the process of obtaining Regional Long-Term Housing (RLRA) vouchers, securing safe and stable housing, and maintaining long-term housing stability.
• Provide case management using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant approaches to support participants in achieving their goals.
• Assist with housing navigation, including rental screening barrier reduction, application assistance, landlord advocacy, move-in support, and ongoing stabilization efforts.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with landlords, property managers, and service providers to ensure sustained housing retention.
• Offer ongoing support to families post-placement, promoting income stability, access to services, and connection to cultural traditions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, track participant progress, and ensure compliance with agency and funding requirements.
• Actively collaborate with NAYA’s housing team and broader service network to coordinate holistic support for families.
• Represent NAYA professionally in community partnerships, meetings, and advocacy efforts.

Read the full job description here.

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 Erika Silver , Director of Housing & Stabilization Services, or the HR team.