SLS: Community Development Fellow for the JOIN Day Space (2025-26 school year)

JOIN helps individuals and families experiencing houselessness transition into permanent housing through culturally responsive and person-centered services.

This position is one of the options for Portland State's Student Leaders for Service program. Please apply to the Student Leaders for Service program to express interest in this opportunity. To access the application to apply for SLS for the the 2025-26 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/590919

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JOIN is a nonprofit based in Portland committed to advancing equity and community care through trauma-informed and low-barrier support for people experiencing houselessness. Their services range from essential needs like meals and hygiene to advocacy and housing connections. JOIN’s Dayspace supports approximately 120 community members daily with dignity and compassion.

The SLS Member serving in the role of Community Development Fellow (CDF) will support service provision in JOIN's Dayspace, a very-low barrier, trauma-informed day center supporting ~120 community members per day with essential stabilization services like hot meals, mail, hygiene, and resource & system navigation, among other services. 

Their scope of work will evolve across three stages: 

• building relationships in the community through service provision

• initiating community feedback processes through formal and informal interviewing, surveying, events and meetings, or other approaches

• working collaboratively with JOIN's Dayspace team to develop and implement programming that is responsive to community needs. 

Examples of this programming can include: 

• planned benefits or resource access initiatives--hosting community member signup for Oregon Health Plan, TANF, affordable housing waitlists, or other benefits

• social events focused on a topic or experience such as affinity or support group, activities focused on creative or personal expression like art or letter-writing events, or other areas of interest

• and program development support wherein we are gathering feedback about our services to evaluate our approach and better serve our community. 

A throughline through this work is affirmative community engagement that builds connection and adds value for community members accessing services. 

In addition to these special initiatives, the CDF spends part of each day onsite helping to prepare and maintain the space, administering our core services alongside the Dayspace team (help setup, welcome community members, help prepare and provide meals, check people's mail, signup for a shower or the clothing closet, and help clean and tidy throughout the day--to name a few common tasks), and supporting the program's overall mission of providing a safe, welcoming space for all community members. Furthermore, the CDF should share and leverage their passion, interests, and academic pursuits in this role--we want SLS members to bring their individuality to our team and share joy with our community.

Modality: This position requires in-person service at JOIN’s Dayspace. Occasional, pre-approved remote work may be possible for certain projects.

Skills and Knowledge Required: Participating SLS members should:

• have a basic understanding of the structural causes of houselessness
• be comfortable planning and hosting events as well as gathering feedback through interviews, surveys, or other data collection methods.
• demonstrate humility and strong communication skills to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and lived experiences. 
• be open-minded, curious, and nonjudgmental
• able to think creatively to solve problems
• self-directed in developing ideas for programs and community contributions
• familiar with—or open to learning—trauma-informed communication and harm reduction, which are foundational to our approach to service and engagement.
• Physical requirements of the role include lifting ~25 lbs and navigating ~20 stairs to access storage in our basement office space.

Preferred Skills: 

• Prior experience working with community members experiencing houselessness, mental health diagnosis, and/or substance use disorder is helpful 
• Students pursuing degrees in a social work or other relevant field are invited to bring a holistic research or service project proposal to this opportunity–we welcome opportunities to serve our community with specialized skills. Approved programming must be in dialogue with community feedback.

Onboarding and Training: Training will include a three-week orientation, video trainings, reading materials, and required certifications such as food handling, Narcan use, and nonviolent de-escalation. Students will also read and discuss Evicted by Matthew Desmond during regular supervision.

Benefits of these Positions: Serving at JOIN offers students a powerful, hands-on learning experience rooted in relationship-building, social justice, and community care. The SLS Member will deepen their understanding of the structural causes of houselessness and gain exposure to trauma-informed service delivery, harm reduction, and equity-based programming. They will hone skills in communication, community engagement, data collection, event planning, and program evaluation—all while working closely with a diverse team and a highly resilient community.

Through their work, the student will have opportunities to build relationships with JOIN staff, local service providers, advocacy groups, and community members with lived experience. These connections will broaden their perspective on Portland’s housing and social service landscape and prepare them for future roles in public service, nonprofit work, policy, or advocacy.

Their contributions will help ensure JOIN’s services remain people-centered and responsive to real community needs. By gathering feedback, identifying barriers, and helping shape programming, the SLS Member will directly support more dignified, inclusive, and effective service provision—making a meaningful impact on both individual lives and broader systems.

Supervision: The SLS member would report to the Dayspace Coordinator, with onboarding support from the Director of Programs and the Program Manager.

Location & Transportation: The location of the JOIN Day Center is 1435 NE 81st Ave Suite 100, Portland, OR 97213.

The location is a ~40-minute commute from the PSU campus by MAX on the Green line.

Schedule Available:  4-6 hours per week. Monday through Friday, mornings or afternoons. A consistent day each week is preferred. Flexibility is allowed for special events or alternative scheduling.