Volunteering at ODHS

Volunteers are an integral part of ODHS

There are many opportunities for volunteers at the Oregon Department of Human Services. We recruit and place volunteers across the state to help meet the needs of clients, staff and local communities.

Steps to become a volunteer

Before you start volunteering, you need to:

Complete an application
Have an interview with a local Volunteer Coordinator
Pass a criminal history check.

Two ways to apply

Complete an online Volunteer Application or Intern Application. Your application will be sent to a local Volunteer Coordinator who will contact you for an interview.

- OR -

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator in your area to set up an appointment to complete the application and schedule an interview.

Application process

The online application collects basic demographic information, preferences for placement and references. High school students and ODHS clients don't have to provide references, but they must have been referred to Volunteer Services by a teacher, professor, ODHS caseworker or supervisor as part of their case plan. Individual districts can decide to require references as long as the requirement is consistent for all students and clients within the district.

ODHS has a strong interest in providing a safe workplace for its employees, protecting the State's resources and assuring the well-being of our customers and clients. We will check references on all prospective volunteers to make sure they haven't engaged in activities that are incompatible with the agency's mission and they don't pose a danger to the people we serve. These checks include criminal background information or information from local juvenile authorities when applicable.

There are many ways volunteers help serve ODHS clients and staff. Volunteers are recruited and placed in jobs that help to meet community and customer needs. Volunteers provide personalized ways to help clients, staff, offices and communities. Every effort is made to place ODHS volunteers in opportunities that best meets their abilities and interests.

Volunteers don't replace paid staff. They donate their time and skills to supplement staff services.

We offer a broad range of volunteer opportunities.

Opportunities include

Activities for clients
Child care, education and recreation for children
Family advocacy
Locating resources
Mentoring
Office assistance
Seasonal programs
Support and training for clients
Supporting the independence of people who are elderly or disabled
Tutoring and interpreting
Transporting clients

The ODHS volunteer program is unique; we have one of the only statewide and state-operated volunteer programs in the nation. We've been serving Oregon's citizens since the late 1960s.

Our mission

Helping to achieve the goals and outcomes of the Oregon Department of Human Services through integrating the work of state and community partners.

Our goals

To develop and maintain volunteer programs in local communities that support ODHS goals and objectives.
To provide services that ODHS cannot otherwise offer. This is done by recruiting and placing volunteers, developing new community resources and networking with community partners.
To provide for citizen and community involvement in achieving ODHS goals and services.
To provide volunteers with opportunities for training, personal growth and advancement.
To recognize the volunteer as a valuable part of the community.
To develop community partnerships meeting local needs.
To promote volunteerism in ODHS and the community.

Ready to volunteer?

Apply now

Already a volunteer?

Report your hours

Contact us

Volunteer Services
500 Summer St NE, E15
Salem, OR 97301

Phone
503-313-8479

Email
dhs.volunteerservices@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Hours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local volunteer coordinators

Use the search or filter to find the contact for your area.