Job Details

City of Portland - Senior Human Services Counselor - Family Shelter

Position Number: 6219716
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Counseling

City of Portland - Senior Human Services Counselor - Family Shelter

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. 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 housing some of the City's most vulnerable residents at the City's Family Shelter. This is a permanent, supervisory position at the City's Family Shelter. The Senior HSC is responsible for overseeing the operations and requires direct supervision of shelter attendants. Other key responsibilities include completing intake paperwork, data quality assurance, and communication with Family Shelter senior management. Successful candidates will have a positive attitude with exceptional patience and proven customer service skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Assists in the hiring process for staff and oversees training and orientation of new program staff.
Conducts staff employee performance appraisals and makes disciplinary recommendations.
Interviews applicants as to family income, residency, employment status, and other necessary information in order to determine and certify eligibility for shelter placement and division programs.
Assists program participants to achieve self-sufficiency by developing client goals and objectives.
Creates and maintains client files using manual and computerized systems. Maintains client contact and counseling on a continuing basis.
Visits clients in their homes or shelters and may transport clients to social service agencies or on apartment searches.
Serves as liaison with community groups and members of the public regarding program issues.
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 situations at the shelter

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 hrs.), Permanent position - Sunday-Thursday, 8am-4:30pm.

Applications accepted until May 23rd, 2025.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a Non-Union position, Grade B25, 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
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=244&sreq=5&form=1000&desc=SENIOR%20HUMAN%20SERVICES%20COUNSELOR%20-%20FAMILY%20SHELTER