Volunteer Services

​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. 

Mission statement

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

Goals for Volunteer Services

• 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.​

Volunteers are an integral part of ODHS. There is a broad range of volunteer opportunities that 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 in a wide variety of ways.

Every effort is made to place ODHS volunteers in opportunities that best meets their abilities and interests. As a volunteer you do not replace paid staff but donate your time and skills to supplement staff services.

We offer a broad range of volunteer opportunities, including:

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

Prospective volunteers must complete an and contact the local Volunteer Coordinator. This can be done in two ways:

1. Complete a Volunteer Application or Intern Application. When you have finished, this it will be sent to a local Volunteer Coordinator who will contact you for an interview.
   
2. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator in your area to set up an appointment to complete the application and schedule an interview.

The online application must be completed and an interview held prior to placement. The online application collects basic demographic information, preferences for placement and personal reference contact information.

High school students and ODHS clients are not required to supply references; however they must have been referred to Volunteer Services by a teacher, professor, ODHS caseworker or supervisor as part of their case plan. While references are not required for high school students and ODHS clients, individual districts can make that requirement 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 and in protecting the State's other resources, as well as assuring the well-being of our customers and clients.  Volunteer Services will conduct reference checks on all prospective volunteers to ensure that they have not engaged in behavior that makes them incompatible with the Department's mission, a danger to the people we serve, or otherwise unfit to perform the functions of a position. These checks include obtaining criminal background information or information from the local juvenile authorities when applicable.

Please note: All volunteers must submit to a criminal history check.​

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Address: 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. 

Also see: Local Volunteer Coordinators​