Child Protective Services Caseworker
Job Description
Location: Caribou, Maine, United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Opening Date: November 27, 2024 Closing Date: December 31, 2024 Job Class Code: 5077 Grade: 24 Salary: $32.35- $42.34 per hour* * Hourly rate includes a $7.50/hr. recruitment and retention stipend Want to make a real difference in the lives of Maine children? The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) within DHHS is looking for people committed to protecting the rights and well-being of children by providing professional case management services for our clients throughout the State of Maine. As a Child Protective Services Caseworker, you will develop investigative and case management skills and build extensive contacts within the judicial, law enforcement, educational, and social services communities. We have current vacancies in our:
Augusta, Skowhegan, Portland, Lewiston, Rockland, Bangor, Sanford, Biddeford, Machias, Ellsworth, and Caribou offices.
Agency Information: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. As a Child Protective Services Caseworker you will:
Perform professional social work in the areas of child protection, children’s services, and adoption. Engage families to assess child safety and make plans which best meet the safety, well-being, and permanency needs of their children. Create a team for each family consisting of family, staff, and community resources to support safe solutions for children. Reach factually supported safety decisions in a timely and thorough manner, with input from parents, children, extended family, and community stakeholders to assure child safety. Assess: child safety, abuse, and neglect, and signs of danger. family strengths and capabilities. family functioning;
Separate unsafe caregivers from children in need of protection when court action is required to make children safe. Make appropriate plans for children, focusing on their safety needs, preservation of family relationships, reunifying children when appropriate, or achieving a permanent placement in another family if needed. Maintain accurate case records of assessments, activities, and plans; summaries; reports; letters and memos. Follow federal and state laws, mandates, policy, and timeframes to achieve child safety, well-being, and permanency.
Successful candidates will be:
Detail oriented Able to effectively manage and meet deadlines.
Work requires frequent overtime, emergency standby coverage, and regular travel within the geographic area served by a District Office.
Minimum Qualifications: In order to qualify, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare, or a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in a field related to social work/social welfare as determined by the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicants must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. Application Information: For additional information about this position please contact Lisa Bullard, Recruitment and Retention Specialist at (207)561-4240 or by e-mail at [email protected]. To apply, please upload a resume and state your degree information as identified in the Minimum Qualifications Section. Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
Work-Life Fit – 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums. Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums. Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Apply to this job #J-18808-Ljbffr