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City of Portland - Shelter Security Guards, Homeless Services Center

in Cumberland County, ME

Job Description

City of Portland - Shelter Security Guards, Homeless Services Center

Health & Human Services Department - Social Services Division - Homeless Services Center

Come do good work with us! City of Portland Shelter Security Guards are involved in the security and safe operations of the Homeless Services Center, providing assistance to some of the City’s most vulnerable residents. Shelter Security Guards day to day responsibilities include greeting facility guests, performing scheduled and random searches during check-in/open hours times and by staff request and addressing guest and staff safety concerns. Security guards also collaborate with staff and supervisors to complete regular shelter reports, perform perimeter checks and maintain the shelter grounds.

Why Join Us:

Gain Valuable Experience for Your Future Career:
If social services is your chosen path, gaining experience as a Shelter Security Guard is a great start to building a strong foundation for your professional journey. You’ll be able to compile transferable skills and valuable knowledge through direct and hands-on experience.

Make a Positive Impact in Your Community:
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.

Hours/Available Schedules:

Schedules vary based on shelter needs. Full time positions operate on a 37.5 hour work-week, and Shelter Security Guards typically work three days a week. The following schedules are available:

• Wednesday-Friday, 7PM-8AM
• Thursday-Saturday 7PM-8AM
• Thursday-Saturday 7AM-8PM
• Sunday-Tuesday 7AM-8PM

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors and authorizes entrance and departure of shelter guests and employees.
• Assist shelter staff and emergency personnel with incident response.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and training.
• Completes regular shelter checks and responds to client incidents.
• Performs related work as required.

Training and Experience Desired:

• High School completion required with any equivalent combination of education, experience, and relevant training.
• Previous experience working security or another closely related field.
• Ability to remain calm during disturbances or other stressful situations.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Working knowledge of security methods/techniques.
• Ability to assist people in crisis situations.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, case managers, residents, social workers, institutional and public officials, and other community contacts.
• Ability to work as a member of a three-person team without on-site supervision.
• Ability to work awake overnight shifts if schedule requires.
• Evidence of a positive attitude that supports the goals of the City.
• Ability and willingness to utilize available translation services to serve clients with limited or no English proficiency.
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse clientele.
• Must submit to annual TB screening.

Applications accepted until filled

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

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, CEBA (Grade 10) - Starting rate of $22.32/hr.

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.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7058199

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Job Posting: 1327754

Posted On: Apr 10, 2026

Updated On: Apr 10, 2026

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