OVERVIEW

Portland Rescue Mission is seeking a Full-Time Children's Center Summer Assistant. This gifted servant will have a warm and friendly disposition, a natural talent for connecting with kids and an energetic spirit that supports trust, growth, and learning for all.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

How to apply: We ask all applicants to apply through the Portland Rescue Mission online application form found on our careers page: https://portlandrescuemission.hiringthing.com/job/1009532/children-s-ministry-summer-assistant
Status: Full-Time, Hourly (Summer Seasonal) May 26-August 28, 2026
Hours: Monday-Friday (typical hours are 7:30am-4:30pm)
Pay Rate: $17.00-$18.00 per hour
Location: Shepherd's Door (13207 NE Halsey St. Portland, OR)
- Virtual Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zcPsXVJCUQ&list=PLicWQMXdDMjJ5IOBIlRaheaGVwQzLFAHr&index=6

THE PLACE

Shepherd’s Door, Portland Rescue Mission’s women and children's facility, is set in a retreat-like setting located in East Portland, designed specifically to support the transformation and growth of women, and women with children, impacted by homelessness and addiction. This 42,000 square foot facility has the capacity to serve 38 women and 25 children. The Children’s Center cares for children (birth-age 12) of mothers in Portland Rescue Mission’s year-long New Life program.

THE POSITION

The Children's Ministry Summer Assistant will support the Children’s Center Teachers in creating a Christ-centered, school-like environment for up to 25 children (birth-age 12) while increasing social, language, and motor skills that may be delayed due to environmental factors. Utilizing trauma-informed classroom principles, this role will work with mothers, children, volunteers, and community resources to assist children in the development of educational, emotional, and spiritual growth. Emphasis is placed on building self-esteem, strengthening social skills, and experiencing healthy relationships, with a goal of building connection and trust.

THE ESSENTIALS

Participants with children living at Shepherd’s Door will know their children are well loved and cared for while they remain fully engaged in their program
Lead Teachers will be supported in focusing on the children and curriculum delivery, knowing other areas of classroom needs are being met by theAssistant
Children’s basic needs will be consistently met, including diapering, feeding, playing, and engaging in classroom activities that develop trust and healing
Portland Rescue Mission staff and volunteers will feel supported, needed, and honored in a classroom that is run on teamwork
Through Godly teaching and a loving environment, mothers and children living at Shepherd’s Door are given the encouragement and training needed to transition to healthy communities and transformed lives
Teach and model Christ-centered parenting to mothers, some who may have had traumatic pasts or have experienced homelessness
Clearly and appropriately share the Gospel with women and children through Bible lessons, worship, and answering questions
Create a healthy atmosphere by teaching a playful, joyful, and Christlike lifestyle for families living at Shepherd’s Door
Maintain a well-organized, clean, colorful, and joyful classroom and playground environment
Accept responsibility for other areas in the Children’s Center

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a testimony of continued growth in faith
Adheres to Portland Rescue Mission’s Statement of Faith and Code of Ethics
A personal ethos and work ethic that reflects Portland Rescue Mission’s ministry culture – Highly Relational, Christ-Centered, Joyful Servant
Desire to serve God in the ministry to hurting men, women and children
A pleasant, gentle, grace filled manner toward others
Composed and professional
Strong team player
Prompt and thorough in job performance, self-starter
Creative and logical problem solving, able to learn quickly
Experience in Mac and Microsoft Windows software
Ability to lift at least 50 lbs., sit on and rise up from the floor, and quickly physically engage with children unassisted

MISSION AND DISTINCTIVES

OUR MISSION

To demonstrate the compassion of Christ

OUR UNIQUE APPROACH

From the first sandwich that was shared in 1949, to today's fully integrated emergency, recovery, and training services, Portland Rescue Mission is a highly relational ministry. The Mission builds supportive and caring communities, meets people at their point of need, equips them, and provides a path forward. In-depth partnership with churches and volunteers, multiple tiers of services and a focus on growing Christian disciples is fundamental to Portland Rescue Mission’s success.