Job Details

City of Portland - Human Services Specialist - Family Shelter

Position Number: 6912750
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

City of Portland - Human Services Specialist - Family Shelter

Health & Human Services Department

About the City of Portland's Family Shelter:

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 Family Shelter serves as a temporary shelter for unhoused families 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's Family Shelter is hiring a Human Services Specialist in a full-time, permanent position. This is professional work involving the oversight and coordination of activities associated with the Family Shelter., and we're ideally seeking an adaptable individual with experience and commitment to assisting individuals. This position will focus on working with homeless families to meet basic needs of food and shelter, connect with area resources, collaborate with the school department, focus on securing permanent housing, and coordinate GA for the families staying at the shelter. The candidate hired into this position will have working knowledge of general assistance programs which they will use to assist clients in identifying their needs and providing them with the appropriate assistance.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Confers with other human services agencies and assists consumers in utilizing the services and benefits available to them
Assists consumers with housing problems and basic living skills, and provides casework services to clients residing in the Family Shelter.
Assists clients by assisting them with applications for housing subsidies and referrals to public assistance programs, including the City's general assistance application.
Collects client data and maintains case histories for monthly statistical reports using computerized systems. Develops and implements case plans, and completes client assessments and intake forms. Maintains complete and accurate MaineCare files for billing.

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.
Basic computer skills, including data entry and word processing. Ability to maintain accurate and complete records
Experience in case management with knowledge of policies and procedures.
Experience working with the homeless population -including experience working with the refugee population, multilingual individuals, and individuals with mental health and substance use issues.
Working knowledge of community resources, including a knowledge and understanding of low-income issues
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 Social Services encouraged.
Preference for bilingual candidates or experience working with interpreters.
Previous experience working in a shelter.
Preference for a bilingual individual or experience working with interpreters.
Proficiency with data entry and word processing.
Experience with crisis intervention, mental illness, and substance use

Expected Hours/Schedule:

This is a full time position for 37.5 hours weekly. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

Applications accepted through February 23rd, 2026.

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union, CEBA Grade 13 position with an hourly rate starting at $24.44.

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 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=259&sreq=3&form=1000&desc=HUMAN%20SERVICES%20SPECIALIST%20-%20FAMILY%20SHELTER