Job Details

City of Portland - Human Services Counselor, Housing Case Manager

Position Number: 6912711
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Counseling

City of Portland - Human Services Counselor, Housing Case Manager

Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division

About the City of Portland 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

Project HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People living in Encampments) – This position will focus on assisting homeless individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness by increasing community supports and overall stabilization leading to permanent, safe and supportive housing. A successful candidate in this position will have a positive attitude while assisting clients with applications for housing subsidies, location and placement in permanent housing, client outreach and relationship building, development of housing resources. Additionally, the employee in this position works directly with the City's representative payee participants and referrals and follow up to ensure increased community support. This position works closely with individuals from all different backgrounds to provide and connect them to community resources. Other job duties include: crisis intervention, referral for detox and other substance use services, referral for mental health services, referral for healthcare services, as well as fully participating as part of the Project HOPE team.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Interviews clients, determines suitability for services, assists in the establishment of appropriate goals, assists in obtaining housing.
Conducts community outreach to community members.
Creates and maintains client files using both manual and computer systems.
May assist clients with completion of financial aid/housing/disability/employment applications.
Perform street outreach and community based homeless prevention activities.
Conducts follow-up case management services to ensure clients retain, housing support network and other crucial services.

Required Skills & Experience:

Graduation from a college or university with major course work in the Health & Human Services field or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Experience working with the homeless population, housing, mental health, substance use, and community outreach.
Working Knowledge of the practices of case management/casework.
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with employers, clients, other providers and fellow staff.
Excellent oral communication skills and ability to work with a diverse clientele.
Intermediate computer skills with the ability to learn shelter databases for record keeping.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full-time 37.5 hours/week, Project position, Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Applications accepted until February 23rd, 2026

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, with a starting hourly rate of $24.88.

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
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=284&sreq=6&form=1000&desc=HUMAN%20SERVICES%20COUNSELOR,%20HOUSING%20CASE%20MANAGER