City of Portland - Human Services Counselor, Riverside Shelter (Monday-Friday)

Start Date: November 19, 2023 | End Date: December 05, 2023
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: General Assistance, Other

HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR, RIVERSIDE SHELTER (Monday-Friday)

Health and Human Services Department - Social Services Division - 166 Riverside

– Project, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) positions - Schedules: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm  / Monday-Friday, 10am-6:30pm -

The Department of Health & Human Services is hiring Human Services Counselors for openings at the Emergency Shelter located at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway.  These positions will 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. 

Regular and daily job duties include:  Applying for housing subsidies. Researching locations and securing placement in permanent housing for homeless individuals.  Routine client outreach and relationship building.  Development of housing resources.  Increased representative payee participation and referrals, with follow up to ensure increased community support.   

Additional job duties include:  Crisis intervention.  Referrals for detox and other substance abuse services.  Referrals for mental health services.  Referrals for all other necessary healthcare services as needed.  Human Services Counselors will also fully participate as part of the 166 Support Services and Shelter Teams. Counselors may be responsible for supervising Shelter Attendant staff. 

Requirements:  Prior experience working with homeless individuals or experience with low income/at risk case management is required.  Excellent customer service skills are necessary to succeed in this role. 

Prior experience:  Experience working with homeless or at-risk populations, including individuals with mental health concerns, or individuals experiencing substance use and other barriers to self-sufficiency preferred. Community outreach and engagement experience preferred. 

Education and certifications:  Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training is required. Individuals must possess a valid Maine Class C driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle for work use. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check. 

Compensation:  Pro-Tech Union positions - Grade 6 - Pay rate starting at $25.50 hourly. 

Accepting applications until Tuesday, December 5, 2023.  

To APPLY click here:  https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=273&sreq=2&form=1000&desc=HUMAN%20SERVICES%20COUNSELOR,%20RIVERSIDE%20SHELTER%20(MONDAY-FRIDAY)

City Benefits

Permanent employees receive a generous benefits package that includes paid holidays; employee health insurance; sick and vacation leave; optional life, dental, vision and income protection insurances; choice of retirement plans; and tuition reduction program with the University of Southern Maine and Thomas College.   

The City of Portland is strongly committed to diversity in its workforce.

Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

For questions contact Human Resources by email at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or 207-874-8624. 

City Job Opportunities Website:  www.portlandmaine.gov/Jobs.