Adult Protective Services Caseworker

State of Maine • Augusta, ME

3d • $26 - $35 • Hybrid

About The Position

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Human Services Caseworker Opening Date: February 27, 2026 Closing Date: March 12, 2026 Job Class Code: 5069 Grade: 22 (P&T) Salary: $25.68 - $34.65 per hour Pay includes a $3.00/hour stipend. An additional $1.00/hour stipend is available with a relevant Masters degree. Position Number: 02023-2728 Location: This position can be located in Rockland or Augusta — this position requires travel throughout Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. This position allows for partial telework with management approval. Core Responsibilities: As an Adult Protective Caseworker, you will: 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. Assess the need for public guardianship. Complete and file petitions and testify in Court as necessary. Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated and dependent adults, Identify and arrange for support services.

Requirements

• A 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; AND must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as determined by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
• SPECIAL NOTE: Individuals with four (4) years professional case management experience and who were previously granted full licensure under grandfathering provisions authorized by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure are exempted from these requirements.
• LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Full or conditional licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
• Please submit a copy of your transcripts with your application materials.
• NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 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 Worker Licensure. An LSW requires an earned BA/BS in social work/social welfare. An LSW-Conditional requires an earned BA/BS in a field related to social work/social welfare.
• Possession of a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Chapter 10 of the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure regulations defines a field related to social work or social welfare as including but not limited to: “behavioral science, social and behavioral sciences, childhood development, education, human development, mental health and human services, psychology, educational psychology, rehabilitation services, and sociology.”
• For additional information on degree requirements, contact the Maine Board of Social Work Licensure at [phone].

Nice To Haves

• The background of well-qualified candidates will include at least 1 year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults. Please describe that experience in your cover letter.

Responsibilities

• 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 activities in the form of case notes.
• Advocating for and coordinating provision of services.
• Maintaining accurate case records of activities; writing summaries, reports, letters, and memos.
• Exercising discretion in decision making in carrying out investigation activities.

Benefits

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% 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. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level