job Senior Human Services Counselor-Prevention and Diversion

SENIOR HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR-HOMELESS SERVICES CENTER
Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division

About the City of Portland's Health & Human Services Department:

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 Homeless Services Center serves as a temporary shelter for homeless individuals 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:
A Senior Human Services Counselor is responsible for overseeing the operations of the state’s largest homeless shelter and requires direct supervision of Shelter Attendants. Other key responsibilities include completing intake paperwork, data quality assurance, and communication with Homeless Services Center senior management. Successful candidates will have a positive attitude with exceptional patience and proven customer service skills.
 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review clients to determine shelter eligibility, social history, residency status, and employment/disability status.
• Makes referrals for finance, health, and any other needs requiring assistance.
• Works closely with shelter support staff ensuring residents with special needs receive individualized attention.
• 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.
• Assists in crisis situation.

Required Skills & Experience:

• High School completion and previous experience working in a homeless shelter is required.
• Previous experience with homeless or low income/at risk case management and housing placement
• Experience with casework, case management, counseling, and program development
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of interpersonal relationships and dynamics as they pertain to the human services field
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and in turn, motivate staff to meet performance measures
• Ability to learn pertinent federal and state regulations and laws within a reasonable time frame
• Knowledge of shelter operations and homeless best practices
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Experience preparing statistical reports and completing related documentation

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services encouraged. High School completion with an equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training accepted.
• Working knowledge of HMIS
• Experience working with the homeless population with disabilities, including mental health and substance abuse issue, and crisis intervention
• Knowledge of employment assessment tools, vocational rehabilitation programs, and other training
• Proficiency with data entry and word processing
• Prior supervisory experience

Expected Hours/Schedule: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Permanent position - Monday-Friday, 12pm-8:30pm.

Applications accepted until August 8, 2025.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:
This is a Non Union position - Grade B25 - Salary range starting at $29.58/hour.
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.

What best describes this position?
Homeless Prevention, Shelter Intake

Does this position require a specialized license?
No

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