Volunteer Hair Stylist/ Hairdresser

This volunteer role supports residents at Maybelle Center’s Macdonald Residence (MacRes) by offering haircuts and basic grooming services that help individuals feel confident, cared for, and seen. Hair Stylist/Barber volunteers provide on-site services within the assisted living community, contributing to residents’ overall well-being, dignity, and sense of belonging.

Through compassionate, respectful interactions, this role fosters meaningful connection while supporting residents in maintaining personal care routines that may otherwise be difficult to access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide haircuts and basic grooming services (e.g., trims, simple styling) to residents in a safe and respectful manner.
• Arrive on-site at Macdonald Residence with your supplies at scheduled times coordinated with staff and the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Set up and maintain a clean, organized workstation, following all hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Engage residents in friendly, person-centered conversation while providing services.
• Adapt approach to meet the comfort level, mobility, and communication needs of each resident.
• Collaborate with Maybelle staff to coordinate scheduling and resident participation.
• Clean and sanitize tools and workspace before and after each appointment.
• Communicate any supply needs or concerns to staff in a timely manner.
• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents receiving services.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a hair stylist, barber, or in basic hair care, professional licensure in Oregon is required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a compassionate and patient approach.
• Ability to work with older adults and individuals with varying physical or cognitive abilities.
• Understanding of basic hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices related to hair care.
• Ability to take direction and collaborate with staff in a care-focused environment.
• Respect for resident dignity, privacy, and personal preferences.
• Reliability and punctuality for arriving when scheduled, and communicating with advanced notice, when possible, if you need to cancel or reschedule.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods while providing haircuts.
• Ability to use hands for extended periods (cutting, styling, handling tools).
• Ability to lift and carry light equipment (e.g., supplies, tools, chair adjustments if needed).
• Ability to navigate an assisted living environment.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Volunteers will receive an orientation to Maybelle Center and Macdonald Residence prior to their first shift, based on volunteer availability to attend our monthly orientation.
• Role-specific training will include an overview of working within an assisted living environment and resident engagement best practices.
• Ongoing support and supervision will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator and MacRes staff.
• Orientation and training materials are currently available in English only.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Hair Stylist/Barber volunteers are typically scheduled on an irregular schedule based on volunteer availability and resident interest. Shifts may occur monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly and generally last 3-5 hours. Specific schedules will be coordinated in partnership with MacRes staff or the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Consistency is highly valued to help build trust and familiarity with residents so we prefer to welcome one volunteer who can engage on a longer-term basis when their availability allows to form connections and build rapport with our residents.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

Macdonald Residence (MacRes) is an assisted living community where residents receive supportive

services in a shared, community-centered setting. Volunteers provide services in designated

common areas or resident spaces, depending on accessibility and need.

This role takes place in a calm, relational environment where patience, flexibility, and empathy are

essential. Volunteers work alongside Maybelle staff and are supported before, during, and after

each shift to ensure a positive and meaningful experience for both residents and volunteers.