Adult Protective Services Caseworker
About The Position
This position is a full-time position located in Augusta, ME, and allows partial telework with management approval. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) within DHHS is responsible for ensuring the safety, support and well-being of Maine’s older citizens, vulnerable adults and adults with disabilities. 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. You will also assess the need for public guardianship, complete and file petitions and testify in Court as necessary. Your workload will include performing APS investigations in a timely manner, interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts, requesting and reviewing records, documenting all investigation activities in case notes, advocating for and coordinating services, maintaining accurate case records, writing summaries, reports, letters, and memos, and exercising discretion in decision making.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare; OR a Bachelor’s 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.
- At least 1 year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 - MainePERS)
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
