Sexual Assault Response Advocate
Portland, OR
Description

NAYA Family Center is seeking a compassionate and skilled Sexual Assault Response Advocate to join our Healing Circle Program. This part-time, on-call role provides confidential, culturally specific advocacy and exam accompaniment for Native American survivors of sexual assault in hospital and medical settings. In collaboration with Unified Response Group and community partners, the advocate responds in person when dispatched and coordinates follow-up services as needed.


This is a part-time position with regularly scheduled on-call shifts every Saturday and Sunday from 12am–6am. On-call hours are worked remotely until dispatch; the advocate must be able to respond in person to designated sites in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County within 30–45 minutes. Pay is $27/hour when working or dispatched, and $2.50/hour while on call.


Who You Are

  • You have at least one year of professional experience providing in-person exam accompaniment for survivors of sexual assault and/or domestic violence.
  • You have professional or lived experience providing advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault and navigating medical, legal, and systems-based settings.
  • You have working knowledge of the root causes and dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking, including risk factors related to sexual violence.
  • You are well-versed in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based frameworks, and can apply them in acute crisis situations.
  • You are knowledgeable about local resources and programs for survivors, and ideally familiar with the criminal justice system, mandatory reporting, and tribal programs.
  • You have professional experience providing culturally specific services in Native American communities, strongly preferred.
  • You have knowledge of Native American history and a genuine understanding of the diversity of the local American Indian/Alaska Native community and the urban Native experience.
  • You can maintain professional boundaries, communicate clearly across diverse backgrounds, and stay composed under pressure.
  • You hold (or can obtain within your first month) a 40-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training certificate. Sexual Assault Specific Core Advocacy Training is strongly preferred.
  • You hold (or can obtain) CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
  • You have your own vehicle and a current Oregon or Washington driver's license, and are insurable under NAYA's liability insurance policy.

What You'll Do

  • Provide exam accompaniment and advocacy services including emotional support, safety planning, systems navigation, and resource referrals.
  • Respond in person to designated response sites within 30–45 minutes of being dispatched.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure trauma-informed follow-up support for participants.
  • Engage professionally with systems-based partners including forensic nurses, hospital and clinic staff, and law enforcement.
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times and complete VAWA-compliant releases of information as appropriate.
  • Record and submit all required data and documentation by the end of each shift.
  • Remain responsive to phone, text, and email communication while on call.
  • Attend required in-person meetings: All Staff (2nd Wednesdays, 9–11am), Team Meeting and Supervision (2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 1–4pm), and Family Services (2nd & 4th Fridays, 1:30–2:30pm, with one remote option).
  • Attend trainings and events as assigned by the Healing Circle Manager and Family Services Director.
  • Participate in cross-departmental projects and contribute to a safe, supportive environment for community members and staff.

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 Spencer Grace, Healing Circle 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.