Adult Protective Services Caseworker
About The Position
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking an Adult Protective Caseworker to perform professional social work for incapacitated and dependent adults. This role involves conducting investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, performing guardianship studies, and assessing decision-making capacity. The position requires travel throughout Cumberland County and involves documenting all relevant information electronically, identifying and arranging support services, and petitioning for public guardianship and conservatorship as appropriate. The caseworker will also be responsible for interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts, requesting and reviewing records, documenting all activities in case notes, advocating for and coordinating services, visiting individuals regularly for ongoing assessment, maintaining accurate case records, and exercising discretion in decision-making.
Requirements
- Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare; OR a Bachelors Degree in a related social service/social welfare/social work area which includes at least 12 courses in behavioral science, social science, or social work.
- Must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
- At least 1 year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults.
- Possession of a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Nice To Haves
- A relevant Masters degree may qualify for an additional $1.00/hour stipend.
Responsibilities
- Perform professional social work for incapacitated and dependent adults, including Adult Protective Services Investigations of abuse, neglect and exploitation, guardianship studies and assessing for capacity to make decisions.
- Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated and dependent adults, Identify and arrange for support services, and petition for public guardianship and conservatorship as appropriate.
- Communicate with individuals reporting to APS to determine whether APS has authority to become involved and document all relevant information electronically.
- Assess the need for public guardianship. Complete and file petitions and testify in Court as necessary.
- Performing the APS investigations process in a timely manner, which includes interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts and requesting and reviewing records as necessary.
- Documenting all investigation and guardian representative activities in the form of case notes.
- Advocating for and coordinating provision of services.
- Visiting individuals regularly for ongoing assessment of needs and safety.
- Maintaining accurate case records of activities; writing summaries, reports, letters, and memos.
- Exercising discretion in decision making in carrying out investigation and guardian representative activities.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays
- 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
- 12 days of sick leave per year
- Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums)
- Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
- Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
- Retirement Plan (Maine Public Employees Retirement System)
- Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
- Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
- Six weeks of fully paid parental leave
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
