Human Services Counselor Case Manager

City of Portland, Maine; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee health insurance

Thirteen paid holidays

Sick, vacation, and personal leave

Life, dental, vision and income ins.

Retirement plans including pension

Job summary

The City of Portland, Maine, Health & Human Services Department, Prevention & Diversion Division, seeks a dedicated professional to support homelessness prevention and diversion efforts in Portland, ME. You will work directly with individuals at risk of homelessness, provide compassionate guidance, and connect clients to funding options and housing resources from our 39 Forest Ave location.

Ideal candidates have lived experience or direct work with unhoused populations, strong communication

Qualifications

• High School completion is required.
• Valid Maine Class C Driver's License with good driving record and personal vehicle required.
• Experience with homeless population and housing systems.
• Knowledge of case management/casework principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to use a computer and maintain records.
• Ability to supervise if assigned.
• Ability to build relationships with employers, providers, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients about income, residency, employment and housing status to connect to resources.
• Create and maintain client files in manual and computer systems.
• Complete MaineCare verification, progress notes, and billing.
• Perform sex-offender registry checks.
• Conduct follow-up case management to ensure housing stability.

Skills

Driver's license

Homeless population experience

Case management

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Professional boundaries

Employer relationships

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor's in Social Services/Health & Human Services

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Health & Human Services Department - Prevention & Diversion 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 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 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 Maine 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated and empathetic person to join our Prevention and Diversion Team, operating out of 39 Forest Ave, in the Social Services Division. This is a role for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in our community. You will be 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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interviews clients regarding income, residency, employment status, housing status, mental health, and substance use in order to make connections to community resources.
• Creates and maintains client files using both manual and computer systems.
• Complete MaineCare verification, progress notes, and billing.
• Complete sex-offender registry checks.
• 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 use 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 community services to the homeless or at risk population.
• Compassionate approach to working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience with mental health and substance use, and other barriers towards self-sufficiency.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full-time, permanent position, 37.5 hours/week - Monday through Friday, 10:00 am - 6:30 pm.

Applications accepted until November 6th, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. The City will not sponsor an employment visa for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, Pro Tech Grade 5, with a starting pay range of $25.88-$26.66 per hour, based on relevant years of experience.

For more information about compensation with the City of Portland, please refer to the union specific pay plans and agreements.

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 [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].