City of Portland - Human Services Specialist - Homeless Services Center

Start Date: April 29, 2025 | End Date: May 09, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Other
More Information: Click here

City of Portland - Human Services Specialist - Homeless Services Center

Health & Human Services Department, Social Services 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 Summary:

The City's Homeless Services Center is hiring a Human Services Specialist in a full-time, permanent position. This is professional work involving the oversight and coordination of activities associated with this location, and we’re ideally seeking an adaptable individual with experience and commitment to assisting individuals. Work involves case management, assistance with the location of permanent housing, and crisis intervention. Candidates hired into these positions will operate a shuttle van with a route from locations that are used to provide emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness to local service providers. The van route will be a complimentary piece to better provide wrap around services and support for individuals on a path to self-sufficiency.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Confers with other human services agencies and assists consumers in utilizing the services and benefits available to them.

• Assists consumers with housing problems and basic living skills, and provides casework services to clients residing in shelters or facing eviction. Conducts follow-up outreach services to assist consumers in maintaining permanent housing.

• Assists consumers with the location of permanent housing which includes contacting landlords, arranging for apartment viewings, and completing applications for housing subsidies and referrals to public assistance programs.

• Collects client data and maintains case histories for monthly statistical reports using computerized systems. Develops and implements case plans, and completes consumer assessments and intake forms. Maintains complete and accurate MaineCare files for billing.

• Conducts regular checks of common spaces and consumer areas and adheres to building safety codes.

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.

• Basic computer skills, including data entry and word processing. Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.

• Experience in case management with knowledge of policies and procedures.

• Working knowledge of community resources, including a knowledge and understanding of low-income issues.

• Prior experience working with the refugee population, multilingual individuals, and individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.

• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse clientele. Ability and willingness to utilize available language translation services to serve clients with limited or no English proficiency.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

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

• Preference for bilingual candidates or experience working with interpreters.

• Previous experience working in a homeless shelter.

• Proficiency with data entry and word processing.

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

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full-Time (37.5 hours/week), Permanent position - Thursday-Saturday, 7am-8pm.

Applications accepted until 05/09/2025.

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, CEBA Grade 13, Salary range starting at $23.50/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 [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/6181774