ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE LIAISON

Munis Self Service; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

13 paid holidays

Sick/vacation/personal leave

Life/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

The City of Portland, Maine, is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist within the Portland Police Department's Behavioral Health Unit. You will collaborate with social work and health professionals to connect residents with resources, provide referrals, and advocate for services.

You will respond to calls with officers, coordinate existing services, and help maintain program records. A bachelor’s degree in a social science and license eligibility (LCPC/LCPC-C/LCSW-LMSW-CC) is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent education and work experience.
• License eligible for LCPC, LCPC-C, LCSW or LMSW-CC preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse populations with dignity and respect.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with behavioral health professionals to connect citizens with resources and referrals.
• Provide intervention, advocacy, and facilitation of services as needed.
• Work with patrol officers, co-responding or responding in lieu of police.
• Respond to calls, coordinate management of services, and maintain resources.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Data collection

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in social science

Job description

The Portland Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state of Maine. We are proud to work in partnership with the community to keep Portland a safe and livable city.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• This team member will work collaboratively with other behavioral health professionals to connect citizens with appropriate resources, provide referrals and advocate for services.
• Provides intervention, referral, advocacy and facilitation of services when needed.
• Work closely with patrol officers, co-responding or responding in lieu of a police response.
• As a member of our Behavioral Health Unit, this person will respond to calls for service, coordinate the management of existing services and provide available resources.
• Maintains statistics and records, to include police diversions, client contacts and outcomes.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science and/or equivalent education and work experience required.
• License eligible for LCPC, LCPC-C, LCSW or LMSW-CC preferred.
• Proven ability to work with socially and ethnically diverse populations and exhibit a commitment to treating all community members with dignity and respect.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data collection skills.
• Candidates should be effective in working as part of a team and independently.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• This position will require a flexible schedule to support the needs of the department and the community, including one weekend day and possibly evenings.

Applications accepted until August 28, 2026.

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a non union position, Grade C42, with a starting pay range of $75,015 - $81,952 per year, based on relevant experience.

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 [e-mail] 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 [e-mail].