Getting Started as a Volunteer
The first step in volunteering with Catholic Social Services programs is to find a current opening listed below. Please check back often if you don’t find an opening you’re looking for as our needs continue to shift and evolve. Review the Volunteer Handbook to give you a sense of CSS and your volunteer work. When you’re ready, please complete our online volunteer application.
What’s Next?
- When the Community Engagement Manager or RAIS Volunteer Coordinator are able to follow up, you will receive an email or phone call.
- Depending on placement, we may schedule a site visit to ascertain fit and interest.
- A volunteer orientation is required and there may be additional trainings depending on your position.
- If we move forward with placing you, a link to a confidential background check will be sent to you by email and placement can be made when that has been cleared and any required trainings are done.
Current Openings
3rd Avenue Resource Navigation Center (3RNC)
Basic Digital Skills Coach
Description: Support guests in developing essential digital skills through informal lessons or one-on-one help. Topics may include setting up an email account, navigating job search websites, using basic word processing tools, or understanding online forms.
Ideal for: Patient and tech-comfortable individuals who can explain basic computer and smartphone use clearly, even to beginners.
Time commitment: Weekly or biweekly shifts; consistency preferred to build trust and learning momentum.
Listening Post
Description: Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Training required by Listening Post staff. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post.
Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with a dynamic environment and close contact with individuals in a shelter who want to hold the space for individuals who have a need for support.
Time commitment: Two-hour shift every other Monday from 12:30-2:30, as often as desired. Signup for shifts happens via the Listening Post.
Resume and Cover Letter Assistance Volunteer
Description: Help guests take the next step toward employment by offering one-on-one support with writing or refining resumes and cover letters. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable providing basic editing assistance, helping guests identify transferable skills, and offering encouragement during the job search process.
Ideal for: Volunteers with experience in HR, education, or professional writing—or anyone with a strong grasp of resumes and a heart for helping others succeed. Patience and flexibility needed.
Time commitment: Flexible shifts; weekday mornings or afternoons.
Behavioral Health Services
Internships, Practicums, Project-based Learning
We’re currently exploring opportunities to engage master’s-level and bachelor’s-level students in our behavioral health programming. This could include internships, practicum placements, or project-based learning experiences that support both clinical and administrative aspects of care. We’re especially interested in students who are passionate about community mental health, integrated care, and serving diverse populations in our community. Our team offers a supportive environment for skill development, mentorship, and exposure to innovative service models.
Brother Francis Shelter
Meal Serving
Description: You are offering support for staff serving meals and cleaning up, and you are a calm, safe adult for clients to interact with as they go through the meal line.
Ideal for: Adults who are available evenings or weekends, who are comfortable with a dynamic environment.
Time commitment: Shifts are short, about an hour for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are needed 7 days a week (7:45 am, 11:45 am or 5:45 pm). We prefer that you have a regular schedule.
Listening Post
Description: Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Training required by Listening Post staff. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post. This shift alternates weeks at BFS and 3RNC.
Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with a dynamic environment and close contact with individuals in a shelter who want to hold the space for individuals who have a need for support.
Time commitment: Two-hour shifts every other Monday from 12:30-2:30, as often as desired. Signup for shifts happens via the Listening Post.
Clare House
Youth Enrichment During Youth Café
Description: Clare House is seeking consistent volunteers to help with our Youth Café! This role is relationship-centered, where being present truly matters. Volunteer engagement can look different each shift: You might help infants and toddlers build early developmental skills through play and interaction one day, or support older youth by modeling positive social and emotional skills and offering guidance another. Each day at the Youth Café looks a bit different.
Ideal for: Individuals who love children, are comfortable in a dynamic environment, and are flexible.
Complex Care
Foot Care Clinic
Description: Volunteers gather to support clients by tending to their feet and providing social and emotional wellbeing. This is a new offering being considered for Complex Care. We are assessing volunteer interest so no days or times have been chosen. If you might be interested in this, please select it. If you have medical experience, please note that in the comments section. However, no experience is necessary.
Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with close contact with individuals in a shelter and able to work closely with a team.
Time commitment: 2-4 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Hair Cutting
Description: Volunteer needed 1-2 times a month to cut client hair in a corner of the Complex Care lobby. No washing would be necessary.
Ideal for: Hairdressers who work part time or have days off and would like to provide this service to the elderly and medically fragile clients at Complex Care.
Time commitment: Ideally, 3 hours, one or two times per month. Needs to be between 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday so staff can support it.
Listening Post
Description: Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Training required by Listening Post staff. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post. Volunteers still complete CSS volunteer application and background check.
Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with a dynamic environment and close contact with individuals in a shelter who want to hold the space for individuals who have a need for support.
Time commitment: Two-hour shifts from 12:30 – 2:30 Tuesdays, as often as desired. Signup for shifts happens via the Listening Post after training.
Meal Serving
Description: Support staff in serving meals and cleaning up. You are a presence for clients to interact with as they go through the meal line. Chatting with them helps reduce isolation and improves their social and emotional health.
Ideal for: Those who have a limited amount of time to volunteer. Adults who are available evenings or weekends, who are comfortable chatting with strangers and working with the staff.
Time commitment: Shifts are short, about an hour for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are needed 7 days a week (8:45 am, 11:45 am or 5:45 pm). We prefer that you have a regular weekly schedule, but flexibility is possible.
Sanitize & Tidy Crew
Description: Assist staff with helping keep elderly and medically fragile clients healthy by doing a sanitization routine wiping down public surfaces throughout the Complex Care facility. Other light cleanup or organizational tasks as needed.
Ideal for: Individuals with a short amount of time for volunteering. People who would like to help on a regular basis and like to clean or organize. Those who work weekdays and are only available on weekends or evenings.
Time Commitment: One hour shifts available 7 days a week between 10 am and 3 pm or 5 to 7 pm. You will choose the day and time that works best for you weekly or bi-weekly.
Fresh International Gardens (FIG)
FIG Child Enrichment Activities
Description: Volunteers provide enrichment activities for children in the RAIS program while parents are in job readiness classes and working with Fresh International Garden staff. Parents are always present on site to assist.
Ideal for: Summer months May – September: teachers, college students, or others who love children and are open to connecting with them outdoors in all weather.
Time Commitment: Monday through Thursday with shifts from 9:30-11:30 or 11:30-1:30
Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS)
No volunteer opportunities are currently available for our Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) program. The volunteers there are rocking it!
Saint Francis House Food Pantry
No volunteer opportunities are currently available at Saint Francis House Food Pantry. The volunteers there are rocking it!