City of Portland - Human Services Counselor Case Manager - Prevention & Diversion

Start Date: June 04, 2025 | End Date: June 13, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Other
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City of Portland - Human Services Counselor Case Manager - Prevention & Diversion
Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division

About the City of Portland 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 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 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 networks.

Job Summary:
Human Services Counselors on the Prevention and Diversion Team are 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 apply. We are seeking a highly motivated and empathetic person to join this team. This is a role for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in our community.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interviews clients regarding income, residency, employment status, housing status, mental health, and substance abuse in order to develop suitable case plans, determine eligibility for services, establish goals, and assist with obtaining housing.
• Conduct community outreach to consumers and maintain regular client contact. Perform street outreach and community based homeless prevention activities.
• Creates and maintains client files using both manual and computer systems.
• Transport clients, using approved rental or City owned/leased vehicles, to appointments related to housing, treatment, and other services.
• Perform housing inspections or safety checks to ensure units meet minimum safety standards. Reports findings to the Administrative Assistant to be recorded and tracked.
• Complete MaineCare verification, progress notes, and billing.
• Complete sex-offender registry checks.
• Process applications for General Assistance and After Hours GA requests according to established procedures and regulations.
• Provides life skills training workshops and independent life skills training including: housekeeping, money management, transportation, and employment and housing acquisition
• Conducts follow-up case management to ensure clients retain housing support and other crucial services.
   

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.
• Experience working with the homeless population, with working knowledge of housing and homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues, and community outreach best practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of case management/casework.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse client population
• Ability to use a computer and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to assume supervisory responsibilities, if assigned.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employers, providers, and fellow staff members.
   

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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 accepted.
• Experience providing housing placement services to the homeless or at risk population.
• Experience working in a homeless shelter.
• Experience with mental health and substance use, and other barriers towards self-sufficiency.
   

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Permanent Position - Monday-Friday, 10am-6:30pm.
 

Applications accepted until June 13, 2025.
 

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

Salary & Benefits:
This is a union position, Pro-Tech (Grade 5), Pay range starting at $23.92/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
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Use of City recreation facilities
• 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
 

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6266266