SENIOR HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR - HOMELESS SERVICES CENTER

Senior Human Services Counselor
Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division

About the City of Portland Health & Human Services:

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. Learn more about HHS and each of these divisions.

Job Summary

A Senior Human Services Counselor works as part of the housing team at the State's largest homeless shelter. The candidate hired into this position is responsible for supervising housing retention and shuttle operations in collaboration with a team of employees including human service counselors and human service specialists. Other duties include enrolling clients in a variety of support services and homeless prevention programs, data quality assurance and communication with senior management. Successful candidates will have a positive attitude with exceptional patience and proven customer service skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides supervisory support to the housing retention team.
  
• 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 the 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 prior experience in a homeless shelter is required.
  
• Preference given to candidates with experience with homeless or low income/at risk case management and housing placement.
  
• Experience with casework, case management, counseling, and program development.
  
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of interpersonal relationships and dynamics as they pertain to the human services field.
  
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and in turn, motivate staff to meet performance measures.
  
• Ability to learn pertinent federal and state regulations and laws within a reasonable time frame.
  
• Knowledge of shelter operations and homeless best practices
  
• Direct experience working with individuals with substance use and mental illness.
  
• Demonstrated leadership abilities including previous supervisory experience.
  
Experience preparing statistical reports and completing related documentation.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full-Time, 37.5 hours/week, permanent position - Tuesday-Saturday; 9 am - 5:30 pm, plus a once a month mandatory staff meeting.

DEADLINE EXTENDED - Applications accepted until May 8th, 2026

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a non-union position, Grade B25, starting salary is $29.58/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 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@portlandmaine.gov.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Group : NON UNION

Job Family : SOCIAL SERVICES

Posting Start : 04/24/2026

Posting End : 05/08/2026