Job Details

City of Portland - Senior Human Services Counselor - Prevention & Diversion

Position Number: 6315123
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Counseling

City of Portland - Senior Human Services Counselor - Prevention & Diversion

SENIOR HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR-HOMELESS SERVICES CENTER
Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division

About the City of Portland's Health & Human Services Department:  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:  A Senior Human Services Counselor is responsible for overseeing the operations of the state's largest homeless shelter and requires direct supervision of Shelter Attendants. Other key responsibilities include completing intake paperwork, data quality assurance, and communication with Homeless Services Center senior management. Successful candidates will have a positive attitude with exceptional patience and proven customer service skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Review clients to determine shelter eligibility, social history, residency status, and employment/disability status.
Makes referrals for finance, health, and any other needs requiring assistance.
Works closely with shelter support staff ensuring residents with special needs receive individualized attention.
Documents client activity for permanent record reports and enters all necessary client information into shelter database.
Attends monthly staff meetings and supervisory conferences and performs related work as required.
Assists in crisis situation.

Required Skills & Experience:

High School completion and previous experience working in a homeless shelter is required.
Previous experience with homeless or low income/at risk case management and housing placement
Experience with casework, case management, counseling, and program development
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of interpersonal relationships and dynamics as they pertain to the human services field
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and in turn, motivate staff to meet performance measures
Ability to learn pertinent federal and state regulations and laws within a reasonable time frame
Knowledge of shelter operations and homeless best practices
Demonstrated leadership abilities
Experience preparing statistical reports and completing related documentation

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Social Services encouraged. High School completion with an equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training accepted.
Working knowledge of HMIS
Experience working with the homeless population with disabilities, including mental health and substance abuse issue, and crisis intervention
Knowledge of employment assessment tools, vocational rehabilitation programs, and other training
Proficiency with data entry and word processing
Prior supervisory experience

Expected Hours/Schedule: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Permanent position - Monday-Friday, 12pm-8:30pm.

Applications accepted until July 7, 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 5 - Salary range starting at $28.72/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
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
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.

To apply, visit: https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=297&sreq=6&form=5000&desc=SENIOR%20HUMAN%20SERVICES%20COUNSELOR%20-%20PREVENTION%20&%20DIVERSION