Human Services Counselor - Retention - Homeless Services Center

Start Date: April 02, 2025 | End Date: September 29, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Other
More Information: Click here

HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR - RETENTION - Homeless Services Center

Health and Human Services Department - Social Services Division

Human Services Counselors focus on assisting homeless individuals by increasing community supports and overall stabilization, with the goal of leading to permanent, safe, and supportive housing for individuals being served at this location. Human Services Counselors are involved in the oversight and coordination of activities associated with the City’s homeless shelters, including serving some of our city’s most vulnerable residents.

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 situations at the shelter.

Required Skills & Experience:

• High School completion and basic computer skills are required.

• Working knowledge of shelter methods/techniques and community resources.

• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to aid people in solving problems.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, case managers, residents, social workers, institutional and public officials, and other community contacts.

• Ability to work as a member of a three-person team without on-site supervision.

• Ability to work awake overnight shifts if schedule requires.

• Evidence of a positive attitude that supports the goals of the City.

• Experience working with low-income and homeless individuals, and the ability to work with a diverse clientele.

• Ability and willingness to utilize available translation services to serve clients with limited or no English proficiency.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree encouraged. High School completion with any equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training accepted.

• Previous experience working in a homeless shelter.

• Proficiency with data entry and word processing.

• Experience with crisis intervention, mental illness, and substance use.

Hours/Schedule:

This is a full time, 37.5 hour per week, permanent position. The schedule for this position is Sunday-Thursday, 9am-5:30pm.

Applications accepted until filled

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, Pro-Tech Grade 6, Salary range starting at $26.27/hour.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits may 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

• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have questions or need assistance with the application, please email [email protected]

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/affirmative action 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 [email protected].

To Apply, visit:

https://apptrkr.com/6110635