HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR-HOMELESS SERVICES CENTER
Health & Human Services Department - Social Services Division
About the City of Portland Homeless Services Center:
Come do good work with us! The Health & Human Services Department consists of four unique divisions; Barron Center, Elder Affairs, Public Health, and Social Services. We strive to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Portland in collaboration with our community, state, and federal partners. The Homeless Services Center serves as a temporary shelter for homeless individuals within the City of Portland. Be part of the solution by joining a program that makes our community a better place to live, work, and play for every Portland resident. Your efforts will directly impact the lives of the unhoused community.
Job Summary:
Human Services Counselors are responsible for assisting homeless individuals staying at the Homeless Services Center by increasing community supports and overall stabilization, leading to permanent, safe, and supportive housing. HSCs also assist with applications for housing subsidies, location of and placement in permanent housing, client outreach and relationship building, development of housing resources, increasing representative payee participation and referrals, and any necessary follow up to ensure increased community support. This position works closely with individuals from all different backgrounds to provide and connect them to community resources.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Interviews clients regarding income, residency, employment status, housing status, mental health, and substance abuse in order to develop suitable case plans, determine eligibility for services, establish goals, and assist with obtaining housing
- Conduct community outreach to consumers and maintain regular client contact. Perform street outreach and community based homeless prevention activities
- Creates and maintains client files using both manual and computer systems
- Transport clients, using approved rental or City owned/leased vehicles, to appointments related to housing, treatment, and other services.
- Complete MaineCare verification, progress notes, and billing.
- Complete sex-offender registry checks.
- Provides life skills training workshops and independent life skills training including: housekeeping, money management, transportation, and employment and housing acquisition
- Conducts follow-up case management to ensure clients retain housing support and other crucial services.
Required Skills & Experience:
- High School completion is required.
- Hired individuals must have a valid Maine Class C Drivers License with a good driving record and a personal vehicle for work use.
- Experience working with the homeless population, with working knowledge of housing and homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues, and community outreach best practices.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of case management/casework.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse client population
- Ability to use a computer and maintain accurate and complete records.
- Ability to assume supervisory responsibilities, if assigned.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with employers, providers, and fellow staff members.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or Health & Human Services field encouraged. High School completion with an equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training accepted.
- Experience providing housing placement services to the homeless or at risk population.
- Experience working in a homeless shelter.
- Experience with mental health and substance abuse, and other barriers towards self-sufficiency.
Expected Hours/Schedule:
Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Permanent position - Schedule is Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6:30pm.
Applications accepted until June 27, 2025.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.
Salary & Benefits:
This is a union position, Pro-Tech Grade 6, Pay range starting at $26.27/hour.
The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:
- Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
- Thirteen paid holidays
- Sick, vacation, and personal leave
- Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
- Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
- Fitness Reimbursement
- Use of City recreation facilities
- Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.
The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.