Job Details

City of Portland - Human Services Counselor Case Manager - General Assistance

Position Number: 6711509
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Counseling

City of Portland - Human Services Counselor Case Manager - General Assistance

Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division

About Health & Human Services:

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. Learn more about HHS and each of these divisions by starting here!

Job Summary:

Human Services Counselors working in General Assistance focus on assisting individuals with a variety of needs and requests. The position will include working closely with various shelters and other agencies to connect clients to various resources within the community. Human Services Counselors are an integral part of the general assistance goal to assist with meeting the basic needs offered by the General Assistance office when a client is eligible, as well as directing to various community supports not offered through the General Assistance office. This position works closely with individuals from all different backgrounds, in a bustling, multilingual office setting.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Triaging and greeting clients for appointments at General Assistance.
Using translator services to determine client needs and communicate information at the front desk and with incoming phone calls to the program.
Creating cases within various databases and entering information as needed.
Scanning documents to file, making photocopies, accessing various databases and spreadsheets to obtain/update information as needed.
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.

Required Skills & Experience:

High School completion and basic computer skills are required.
Working knowledge of shelter methods/techniques and community resources.
Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to aid people in solving problems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, case managers, residents, social workers, institutional and public officials, and other community contacts.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Excellent customer service skills and evidence of a positive attitude that supports the goals of the City.
Experience working with low-income and homeless individuals, and the ability to work with a diverse clientele.
Ability and willingness to utilize available translation services to serve clients with limited or no English proficiency.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Bachelor's Degree encouraged. High School completion with any equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training accepted
Previous experience working with individuals with mental health issues, and other barriers to self-sufficiency preferred.
Proficiency with data entry and word processing.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

This is a full time, 37.5 hour per week, permanent position. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.

Applications accepted through November 21st, 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), Pay 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 may 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 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=329&sreq=9&form=1000&desc=HUMAN%20SERVICES%20COUNSELOR%20CASE%20MANAGER%20-%20GENERAL%20ASSISTANCE