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City of Portland - Shelter Attendant - Family Shelter

Position Number: 6775865
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

City of Portland - Shelter Attendant - Family Shelter

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:

The City of Portland's Health & Human Services Department and Family Shelter are currently hiring a full-time Shelter Attendant. This role involves responsible and varied work related to the oversight and coordination of activities associated with the shelter and overflow sites, including interaction with the mentally ill, substance users, and special needs populations. Shelter Attendants at the Family Shelter are responsible for welcoming and registering homeless families in need of shelter, intake assessments, maintaining the main shelter and outside grounds, facilitating referrals to appropriate programs, and tracking client data. Successful candidates will have a positive attitude with exceptional patience and customer service skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs client intakes and updates to determine shelter eligibility, social history, residency status, employment/disability status, as well as other data and personal information.
Assist clients to utilize all services available to them. Makes referrals for finance, health, case management, and other self-sufficiency barriers requiring assistance.
Works closely with shelter support staff ensuring clients with special needs receive individualized attention. Assists with appointment scheduling for support services staff. May include supporting and assisting impaired or disabled clients
Confers with workers from other social service agencies and shelters. Works collaboratively with law enforcement and emergency responders.
Inputting required information into an online data system
Regularly monitoring and cleaning dorms, common areas, bathrooms, and shelter grounds
Setting up and taking down dormitories as needed, including moving mats, cots, chairs, tables, full laundry bags, and other items as required.
Hands out bedding, towels, and personal care items.

Required Skills & Experience:

High School completion and prior experience in a homeless shelter is required.
Experience in crisis intervention, working with individuals with mental illness and substance use, or any equivalent combination of prior experience and training.
All Shelter Attendants must have a valid Maine Class C drivers license.
Working knowledge of shelter policies, procedures, best practices, and community resources
Experience with intakes, incident documentation, and related paperwork
Computer skills including data entry and database experience, as well as ability to learn and use proprietary software
Ability to provide exceptional customer service, and establish and maintain professional boundaries and relationships with clients, case managers, social workers, and emergency responders
Ability to lift, or team lift, work related materials up to 50 pounds and to carry the same up at least one flight of stairs
Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse clientele. Ability and willingness to utilize available language translation services to serve clients with limited or no English proficiency

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in a related field is encouraged. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training accepted in lieu of previous experience
Experience working with homeless population and low-income individuals
Experience operating as part of a team in a fast paced-client focused environment
Experience with crisis intervention skills and the ability to work with clients with mental health and substance abuse issues
Ability to stay alert and awake during overnight shifts if schedule requires

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Wednesday-Sunday 4PM -12:30AM. This is a full time, permanent position for 37.5 hours per week

Applications accepted until 12/19/2025.

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, CEBA (Grade 9), Salary rate starting at $22.00/hour, plus a $2.00 per hour stipend for night or weekend shifts.

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 questions or need assistance with the application, please contact jobs@portlandmaine.gov

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, 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=387&sreq=5&form=1000&desc=SHELTER%20ATTENDENT%20-%20FAMILY%20SHELTER