SLS: Guest Services and Hospitality Volunteer &/or Behind-the-Scenes Intern with Rose Haven (2026-27 school year)

Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home and other disruptive life challenges. We practice radical hospitality, and advocate social justice for some of the most vulnerable populations in our community.

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 2026-27 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/864961

*****
There are a number of possible positions available for SLS students, whether supporting direct-service programs as a Guest Services and Hospitality Volunteer or serving as a behind-the-scenes intern. Ideally the intern will be able to spend some/most of their time onsite, but we can occasionally supplement some hours with offsite projects.

Guest Services and Hospitality volunteers have rotated through various volunteer positions, working directly with the guests we serve. Specific volunteer roles include:

• Kitchen Runner or Float: Help with food prep and dishes, run freshly made dishes to the dining area.
• Food Table: Serve food and beverages to our guests in the designated dining area.
• Supply Runner: Work with staff at the hospitality desk to gather supplies for guests, including fresh sets of clothing. Assist with supervising use of the laundry area
• Clothing Shop: Assist guests with their 20 minute shopping visit.
• Shower & Wellness Desk: Assist with cleaning showers between uses, and providing hygiene supplies. 
• Wellness Pop Up Shop: Help distribute cosmetics and other self care items to guests.
• Guest Services: Assist staff at the front desk with bringing our mail, answering phones, and other admin tasks.
• Activities and Classes: Rose Haven has many activities that can be fun to facilitate; such as yarn group, beading, tech support, and more. Bring your unique skill set and create an activity for our guests.

Behind the Scenes Interns may rotate through these various activities:

• Donation Support: Sorting donations, restocking the shop, etc.
• Data Entry & Administrative Support: Help with admin tasks, supporting the development team or volunteer manager.
• Development & Events Committee: Support our development team with event planning and fundraising. This is a great opportunity for folks who are looking for evening and weekend opportunities.
• Development interns have also worked on research projects, created social media content, and supported programming around marketing and fundraising. 
• In-Kind Donation Drive: Organize a donation drive in your community to collect  underwear, leggings, or hygiene supplies… the possibilities are limitless!

By rotating through these roles, our volunteers provide essential services and resources to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. By serving with compassion, dignity and zeal, we recognize the individual worth of each person we serve, empowering them to regain stability in their lives.

We would like to see a student leader take initiative and find an area within the shelter that they would like to take a leadership role in. We would like to work with them to identify their skills and interests, and encourage them to find ways they can take the lead and improve processes in their preferred area

Equity and inclusion are central to our programming, and we focus our efforts on those most vulnerable and marginalized. We welcome guests of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, class, ethnicity, faith, culture, language, marginalized gender identity, sexual identity, ability, citizenship status and other identities and experiences.

Skills and Knowledge Required: An ideal student for this role would have an interest in helping vulnerable populations, learning more about the challenges this community faces, a genuine desire to help others, and a passion for social justice.

Preferred Qualifications: People skills, empathy and compassion, interest in social work or similar field. Strong organizational skills are great for donation support, and we've learned this year that students with creative talents and curiosity for research are a great benefit too! Direct service volunteer roles at Rose Haven are limited to female volunteers and those who are able to w

Preferred Qualifications: People skills, empathy and compassion, interest in social work or similar field. Strong organizational skills are great for donation support, and we've learned this year that students with creative talents and curiosity for research are a great benefit too! Direct service volunteer roles at Rose Haven are limited to female volunteers and those who are able to walk/stand for 4 hours. 

Application, Onboarding, and Training process: After completing a volunteer application, students will be invited to attend an onsite volunteer orientation where they will learn more about the population we serve and the services we provide. We also cover trauma-informed care and conflict resolution language. Then students will get training and support in each specific role as they volunteer in that area.

Benefits of this Internship: Volunteers at Rose Haven will gain insight to the unique challenges that houseless women, children, and gender-nonconforming folks in our community face. You will have a better understanding of the issues that impact individuals living in poverty, whether interpersonal, or systemic issues. You can hone skills of working with others from diverse backgrounds, and learn about themselves in the process. You will get what they put into it - and for a student looking to go into the social services field, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet!

Supervision: Reports to, and is trained by Jessica Almroth, Volunteer and Academic Program Director, but may work with other staff depending on the volunteers' area of focus.

Location & Transportation: Rose Haven is located in NW Portland along the streetcar line, at 1740 NW Glisan St. Students can take the streetcar to the location or can walk from campus if you enjoy a good walk! This position also has the potential to be done remotely if students prefer to take on back-end projects related to research, social media, etc. 

Schedule Available: We offer direct service opportunities Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.