Human Services Counselor

HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR

Health & Human Services Department - Prevention & Diversion Division

About the City of Portland Homeless Services Center

: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 Summar

y:The City of Portland's Prevention and Diversion Team is a dynamic and essential part of our community's efforts to address homelessness. We work directly with individuals in Portland Maine who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Our dedicated team provides compassionate, client-centered support, aiming to prevent homelessness whenever possible and divert individuals to stable housing solutions. We achieve this by connecting clients to available funding options, assisting with problem-solving, streamlining access to the Homeless Services Center, and facilitating reunification efforts for those who wish to return to out-of-town support network

s.We are seeking a highly motivated and empathetic person to join our Prevention and Diversion Team. This is a role for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in our community. You will be on the front lines of homelessness prevention, providing crucial support and guidance to help people regain stability and find shelter options. Individuals with lived experience and/or experience working directly with the unhoused community are strongly encouraged to appl

y.
Duties & Responsibiliti

• es:Interviews clients regarding income, residency, employment status, housing status, mental health, and substance use in order to make connections to community resourc
• es.Creates and maintains client files using both manual and computer syst
• emsComplete MaineCare verification, progress notes, and billi
• ng.Complete sex-offender registry chec
• ks.Conducts follow-up case management to ensure clients retain housing support and other crucial servic

es.
Required Skills & Experie

• nce:High School completion is requi
• red.Hired individuals must have a valid Maine Class C Drivers License with a good driving record and a personal vehicle for work
• use.Experience working with the homeless population, with working knowledge of housing and homelessness, mental health and substance use issues, and community outreach best practi
• ces.Knowledge of the principles and practices of case management/casew
• ork.Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clie
• nts.Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse client popula
• tionAbility to use a computer and maintain accurate and complete reco
• rds.Ability to assume supervisory responsibilities, if assig
• ned.Ability to establish effective working relationships with employers, providers, and fellow staff memb

ers.
Preferred Skills & Experi

• ence:Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or Health & Human Services field encouraged. High School completion with an equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training acce
• pted.Experience providing community services to the homeless or at risk popula
• tion.Compassionate approach to working with vulnerable populat
• ions.Experience with mental health and substance use, and other barriers towards self-suffici

ency.
Expected Hours/Sch

edule:Monday-Friday, 8am-4

:30pm.
Applications accepted until October 27th

, 2025.Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background

check.
Salary & B

enefits:This is a union position, Pro Tech Grade 5, Salary rate starting at $23.

92/hour.
The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work env

ironment.City benefits

• include:Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness i
• ncentivesThirteen paid
• holidaysSick, vacation, and perso
• nal leaveLife, dental, vision and income protection i
• nsurancesChoice of retirement plans, including a pen
• sion planFitness Reim
• bursementUse of City recreation f
• acilitiesDiscount on professional development programs through USM and Thoma

s 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@portland