Job Details

City of Portland - Financial Eligibility Specialist - General Assistance

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

The City of Portland's Health & Human Services Department within the General Assistance Program is hiring a Financial Eligibility Specialist. This position processes General Assistance applications and determines financial eligibility in a high volume, ethnically rich, multi-site work environment. Job responsibilities include: Computing consumer budgets, utilizing a language line for non-English speaking applicants, verification of
income and expenses, processing vendor payment vouchers, preparing decision sheets, interacting with community agencies, participating in Fair Hearings and maintaining electronic files. This work includes interaction with a diverse consumer base requiring flexibility, a positive attitude and solutions-based thinker with a focus on the delivery of excellent customer service.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meets with General Assistance Applicants daily to determine financial eligibility for public assistance programs
  
• Maintains client case records and completes various forms and data entry accurately.
  
• Works directly with community partners for verification of information and collection of client data.
  
• Assists clients in achieving self sufficiency by making referrals to employers, educational/job training workshops, and in-house and outside social services agencies.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience in mathematical calculations
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, vendors, social services providers and others.
  
• Knowledge of municipal, state and federal public assistance programs.
  
• Ability to apply policies and procedures to specific cases.

Expected Hours/Schedule:
Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week, permanent position, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM.

Applications accepted until September 11th, 2026.

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, CEBA (Grade 13), with a starting pay range of $24.93-$25.41 per hour, based on relevant years of experience.

For more information about compensation with the City of Portland, please refer to the union specific pay plans and agreements.

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=332&sreq=18&form=1000&desc=FINANCIAL%20ELIGIBILITY%20SPECIALIST%20-%20GENERAL%20ASSISTANCE