NAYA Family Center is looking for a compassionate and grounded Alcohol and Drug Specialist to join our Youth & Education Services team. This role provides critical support to young people (ages 16–24) who are experiencing houselessness and struggling with alcohol and/or drug use and mental health barriers. Many of the youth served are not yet connected to treatment, counseling, or recovery resources.

As the Alcohol and Drug Specialist, you will provide prevention activities, pre-treatment support, counseling, case management, and referrals to treatment and mental health services. You’ll also help youth build connection, identity, and stability within the Native community. Approximately 70% of this position is direct service, with the remainder focused on coordination, documentation, advocacy, and program development.

This position is part of the Recovery Oriented Supports and Engagement (ROSE) Program, which includes collaboration with multiple partner agencies in the Homeless Youth Continuum.

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 16 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 days a week with supervisor approval.  

The pay rate for this position is $25-27 per hour.

Who You Are:

• You are a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I); CADC II or III is preferred.
• You have experience in addiction services, youth development, and/or human services, particularly with houseless, low-income, and culturally diverse youth populations.
• You are knowledgeable about clinical issues related to substance use, mental health, and the houseless youth experience.
• You are familiar with Native American history, culture, and the diversity of the local AI/AN community, and you understand the systemic issues impacting urban Native youth.
• You are skilled in managing a caseload of 25–40 youth while balancing shifting priorities and schedules.
• You can provide both individual and group counseling and create safe spaces for youth to engage in healing and recovery.
• You communicate effectively across diverse backgrounds and build relationships grounded in respect and empathy.
• You are flexible, adaptable, and able to remain steady and responsive in high-stress situations.
• You are a collaborative team member, comfortable working across agencies and programs to deliver wraparound services.
• You maintain thorough, timely, and accurate documentation in line with agency and funder requirements.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct and review alcohol and drug (A&D) screenings, coordinate assessments, and refer youth to appropriate levels of care.
• Provide or arrange individual counseling and facilitate weekly or bi-weekly group counseling sessions.
• Collaborate with case managers and peer mentors to support youth in setting and achieving personal goals.
• Engage youth in cultural connection and community belonging, supporting identity and self-determination.
• Provide support to youth in shelter or host home placements, including reunification or alternate stable housing.
• Coordinate with mental health providers and treatment services to ensure youth receive comprehensive wraparound care.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and clinical records in line with agency guidelines.
• Support curriculum and program development, peer mentor programming, and aftercare efforts.
• Participate actively in the ROSE Program and the Homeless Youth Continuum to strengthen system collaboration and advocacy for youth.
  

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 Cheyenna Kimbol, Youth Housing Manager, or the HR team.

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.