Day Space Worker

Day Space Worker June 2026

JOIN (joinpdx.org) is a non-profit organization that exists to support the efforts of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to transition off the streets and into permanent housing. We are inspired by the vision of a community where everyone has a place to call home.

JOIN is committed to equity and inclusion, and to ensure that programs and staff culture are equitable in both access, experience, and outcomes regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, culture, language, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation or family status.

JOIN is committed to pursuing effective strategies and devoting dedicated time and resources at every level of the organization to address disparities based on identity and to apply an equity lens to all decisions, programs, and policies in furthering JOIN's commitment to become an anti-racist organization, including dismantling white supremacy culture.

Position Overview

Position opened until filled:

JOIN's Day Space Worker helps run the day-to-day operations of the Day Space and Basic Service Center. The Day Space provides essential basic services like showers, lockers, mail pick-up, internet access, and computer use to people experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position supporting a program that operates 7 days per week; flexibility to work weekends, some holidays, and non-traditional hours (outside of 9 AM–5 PM) is required.

The primary goal of the Day Space Worker is to ensure access to essential services while fostering an environment rooted in safety, dignity and respect. The ideal candidate will be skilled in building strong relationships with both service participants and community or agency partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed care to people accessing Day Space services in support of their holistic stability goals including accessing stable housing; promote a welcoming environment in the Day Space for people accessing services, agency partners, and coworkers;
• Build relationships with people accessing services that affirm their dignity; use strengths-based, non-judgmental communication;
• Responsible for opening and closing JOIN's Day Space, including setup before opening and closure tasks after service hours;
• Maintain cleanliness and organization across all areas of the Day Space.
• Support team effort to maintain inventory of Barter Exchange or similar incentivized program(s) roles and supplies;
• Support and guide volunteers in the Day Space, helping them feel welcomed and understand their roles and tasks;
• Provide opportunities for those experiencing homelessness to have light touch case management support to address barriers and connect to a range of service providers and support mechanisms;
• Act as an information hub to connect with both staff, and services/staff from other agencies, health providers, and organizations as appropriate;
• Provide basic safety off the streets, hygiene services, temporary storage, mail service, and access to an array of other basic services during hours of operation;
• Meet the complex needs of this population, emergency shelter, housing placement, income acquisition and health-related services;
• Assess participants using a Coordinated Assessment Tool;
• Regularly participate in: pick up and drop off mail, supplies, and donations in partnership with other teams and development;
• Participate in mandatory meetings, and one on one supervision;
• Provide trauma informed services equitably; responsible for assessing people and safety needs and/or concerns informed by policy, procedures and/or leadership instruction;
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry into relevant platforms (ei. Apricot/HMIS) for program tracking, evaluation and reporting purposes.
• Report and/or take care of urgent building matters (clogged toilets, leaks, etc.) as appropriate;
• Engage in JOIN's equity and anti-racism work at the full-staff, program-specific, and individual level;
• Apply an equity lens to work with staff, service users, volunteers, donors, and community partners
• Demonstrate and support healthy boundary setting.

Required Education, Experience, Qualities, or Specialized Training

• Must be available to work in-person at 1435 NE 81st, Portland, OR 97213
• Ability to work and problem-solve effectively with a diverse array of system participants, including single adults, couples, and families experiencing homelessness, housing placement workers, agency managers/directors, and funders;
• Must be self-motivated and work well in a team environment;
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed to support high-quality service delivery and overall team success;
• Ability and commitment to work collaboratively with diverse populations, especially people experiencing homelessness, and to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome;
• Experience working collaboratively with landlords, community providers, partner organizations, and the police;
• Agree that a commitment to social and racial justice through equity and inclusion are fundamental to JOIN's work. Support and contribute to JOIN's goal of becoming an anti-racist organization;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with all people through JOIN's relationship model;
• Experience with and/or knowledge of homelessness, its causes, and barriers to attaining housing stability; understanding of how systems of power can perpetuate houselessness and poverty;
• Experience (lived, volunteer and/or professional) serving people facing mental health and/or addiction challenges;
• Experience with conflict resolution and de-escalation (lived, volunteer and/or professional);
• Experience (lived, volunteer and/or professional) with marginalized communities;
• Google Suite proficiency
• Must pass a post offer criminal background check

Preferred (Not Required) Education, Experience, Qualities, or Specialized Training

• 1-2 years Shelter Services experience preferred; professional and/or lived experience working with individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness
• Certified or Dual Certification in one or more of the following CRM/PSS/PWS/CHW
• Professional and/or lived experience navigating social services;
• Additional language skill—Spanish and/or ASL a plus, ( one position Spanish Speaker required )
• Experience with de-escalation techniques, harm reduction, and crisis management.
• Personal vehicle, valid driver's license, and insurable driving record preferred upon hire

Specific Mental and Physical Performing Element:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., frequently bend and kneel, stand for extended periods, and regularly navigate stairs.
• Skilled in communicating patiently and compassionately with individuals seeking services, including those who may have difficulty speaking clearly or listening attentively.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health needs.
• Proficient in using computers, social media platforms, and phones for daily work tasks
• Must be able to work on-site and in person. This position cannot be performed remotely.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JOIN values the strengths that a diverse workforce offers and is committed to honoring the dignity of every individual. On behalf of the board, staff, and people we serve at JOIN, thank you for your interest in supporting our mission.

JOIN has an organizational commitment to equity and inclusion, and to ensure that programs and staff culture are equitable in both access, experience, and outcomes regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, culture, language, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation or family status

On behalf of the board, staff, and people we serve at JOIN, thank you for your interest in supporting our mission.