Foster Care Independent Living Program Specialist

NAYA Family Center is seeking a compassionate, organized, and culturally responsive Foster Care – Independent Living Program Specialist to join our Family Services team. This role provides direct support to Native American youth in foster care and young people transitioning to adulthood, helping them build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to navigate their next chapter. As an Independent Living Program Specialist, you'll provide case management, life-skills development, advocacy, and family support to youth involved in state and Tribal child welfare systems. You'll work alongside young people, foster and relative caregivers, schools, child welfare partners, and community resources to help youth pursue their educational, housing, employment, and personal goals.

If you're someone who believes in the strengths and potential of young people, enjoys building meaningful relationships, and wants to help Native youth develop the tools they need to thrive as they transition into adulthood, this role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

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 regular, full-time, exempt position with general working hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Flexible scheduling is available with approval, and occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Some overnight supervision of youth at conferences, gatherings, or other program activities may also be required. Pay for this position starts at $56,160 per year.

Who You Are

• You have knowledge of Native American history and understand the diversity of local American Indian and Alaska Native communities and the Urban Indian experience.
• You understand the importance of culturally responsive, strengths-based services and believe Native youth deserve meaningful support as they navigate foster care and the transition to adulthood.
• You have knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Welfare services.
• You bring at least two years of experience providing human, social, or direct services to low-income and culturally diverse populations.
• You are comfortable managing a caseload, maintaining accurate records, and balancing direct service with documentation, reporting, and program responsibilities.
• You enjoy helping young people develop practical life skills and pursue goals related to education, employment, housing, and independence.
• You are able to build trusting relationships with youth and families while maintaining appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and professional judgment.
• You remain calm and thoughtful in challenging situations and can adapt when priorities, schedules, or participant needs change.
• You communicate clearly and listen actively when working with youth, families, schools, Tribal partners, child welfare professionals, and community organizations.
• Possess a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, or a related field is preferred, with equivalent relevant experience considered. A master's degree in Social Work is a plus.
• Experience working with Native American communities, Tribal organizations, or DHS Child Welfare is strongly preferred.

What You'll Do

• Provide case management, advocacy, and life-skills support to Native American youth in foster care and young people transitioning to adulthood.
• Maintain regular contact with youth and caregivers, assess individual needs, and develop and monitor goals and support plans.
• Help youth build skills and access resources related to education, employment, housing, financial assistance, transportation, and independent living.
• Coordinate services with families, schools, foster care providers, child welfare systems, and community partners to support positive outcomes.
• Facilitate individual and group meetings, activities, curriculum, and life-skills programming for youth.
• Support youth in pursuing educational and vocational opportunities, including financial aid, college applications, and other postsecondary resources.
• Assist youth in accessing housing resources and programs that support their transition to independence.
• Provide training and support using culturally responsive approaches, including KEEP and Positive Indian Parenting.
• Coordinate and participate in youth conferences, gatherings, family events, and other program activities, including occasional overnight supervision.
• Disburse client assistance funds and program resources in accordance with funding requirements and Family Services priorities.
• Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, assessments, data, and other documentation while supporting grant reporting and program evaluation requirements.
• Develop and maintain resource lists for Native youth in foster care and Independent Living Programs.
• Contribute as an active member of the Family Services team, coordinate wraparound services across NAYA programs, and support a safe and culturally responsive environment for youth, families, and staff.

Application Instructions

Providing a cover letter helps us better understand your experience supporting youth and families, your approach to culturally responsive services, and your interest in joining NAYA, 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 learn more about this opportunity before applying? We'd be happy to connect you with our Associate Director of Family Services, Alix Sanchez , or Human Resources.

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.