Job Details

City of Portland - Human Services Counselor - Prevention & Diversion

Position Number: 6642314
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Counseling

City of Portland - Human Services Counselor - Prevention & Diversion

Health & Human Services Department - Prevention & Diversion 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:

The City of Portland's Prevention and Diversion Team is a dynamic and essential part of our community's efforts to address homelessness. We work directly with individuals in Portland Maine who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Our dedicated team provides compassionate, client-centered support, aiming to prevent homelessness whenever possible and divert individuals to stable housing solutions. We achieve this by connecting clients to available funding options, assisting with problem-solving, streamlining access to the Homeless Services Center, and facilitating reunification efforts for those who wish to return to out-of-town support networks.

We are seeking a highly motivated and empathetic person to join our Prevention and Diversion Team. This is a role for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in our community. You will be on the front lines of homelessness prevention, providing crucial support and guidance to help people regain stability and find shelter options. Individuals with lived experience and/or experience working directly with the unhoused community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Interviews clients regarding income, residency, employment status, housing status, mental health, and substance use in order to make connections to community resources.
Creates and maintains client files using both manual and computer systems
Complete MaineCare verification, progress notes, and billing.
Complete sex-offender registry checks.
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 use 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 community services to the homeless or at risk population.
Compassionate approach to working with vulnerable populations.
Experience with mental health and substance use, and other barriers towards self-sufficiency.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

Applications accepted until October 27th, 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 rate starting at $23.92/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.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=331&sreq=12&form=1000&desc=HUMAN%20SERVICES%20COUNSELOR%20-%20PREVENTION%20&%20DIVERSION