Shelter Attendants-Homeless Services Center

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Portland is seeking Shelter Attendants to oversee and coordinate activities at the Homeless Services Center. This essential entry-level role involves welcoming and registering homeless individuals, monitoring dorms and common areas, conducting intake assessments, and providing crisis intervention. It is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build a strong foundation for a career in social services while making a positive impact on the community's most vulnerable residents. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Investigate clients to determine shelter eligibility, social history, residency status, and employment or disability status. - Make referrals for financial, health, and other assistance needs. - Work closely with shelter support staff to ensure residents with special needs receive individualized attention. - Assist with appointment scheduling for support services staff. - Confer with staff from other social service agencies and shelters. - Document client activity for permanent record reports and enter all necessary information into the shelter database. - Complete regular shelter checks and monitor shelter residents. - Perform cleaning duties including bathrooms, vacuuming, sweeping, emptying trash, and organizing common areas. - Assist in crisis situations at the shelter. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - High school completion required, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training. - Working knowledge of shelter methods, techniques, and community resources. - Ability to aid people in solving problems and excellent oral communication skills. - Basic computer skills and the ability to work with a diverse clientele. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, case managers, residents, social workers, and public officials. - Ability to work as a member of a three-person team without on-site supervision. - Ability to work awake overnight shifts if the schedule requires. - Experience working with low-income and homeless individuals. - Ability and willingness to utilize available translation services for clients with limited or no English proficiency. - Must submit to an annual TB screening. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's Degree is encouraged. - Previous experience working in a homeless shelter is preferred. - Proficiency with data entry and word processing is preferred. - Experience with crisis intervention, mental illness, and substance use is preferred. - Must be available to attend a mandatory monthly two-hour staff meeting. SELECTION PROCESS - Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. - Must pass an annual TB screening. HOW TO APPLY - Applications are accepted until the position is filled. - For questions or assistance with the application, contact Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624. - To request a reasonable accommodation, call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Portland - Department: Health and Human Services Department - Social Services Division - Job Type: Internal & External, Union position (CEBA Grade 9) - Schedule: 37.5 hour work-week, typically working three days a week. Available schedules include: 1. Sunday through Tuesday (Day) 7 am - 8 pm 2. Saturday through Monday (Day) 7 am - 8 pm 3. Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday (Day) 7 am - 8 pm 4. Friday through Sunday (Night) 7 pm - 8 am 5. Thursday through Saturday (Night) 7 pm - 8 am 6. Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday (Night) 7 pm - 8 am - Benefits: Free employee health insurance (with wellness incentives), 13 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, and discounts on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College. - Equal Opportunity: The City of Portland is an equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.