Adult Protective Services Caseworker

State of Maine•Bangor, ME

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Aging and Disability Services, is hiring a Human Services Caseworker to perform professional social work for incapacitated and dependent adults. The work includes Adult Protective Services investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; guardianship studies; and assessments of capacity to make decisions. The caseworker assesses the need for public guardianship, files petitions, and testifies in court as needed. The role also involves identifying and arranging support services. The position is based in Bangor and requires travel throughout Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Partial telework is permitted with management approval. The position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. The role requires a bachelor's degree in social work or social welfare, or a bachelor's degree in a related social service, social welfare, or social work area that includes at least 12 courses in behavioral science, social science, or social work. Applicants must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker level from the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure, and must hold a valid Class C Maine driver's license. The background of well-qualified candidates will include at least one year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work or Social Welfare; or a bachelor's degree in a related social service, social welfare, or social work area that includes at least 12 courses in behavioral science, social science, or social work.
Must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level through the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Submit a copy of post-secondary transcripts with the application.
The background of well-qualified candidates will include at least one year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults; applicants should describe this experience in their cover letter.

Responsibilities

Conduct Adult Protective Services investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated and dependent adults.
Perform guardianship studies and assess adults' capacity to make decisions.
Assess the need for public guardianship; complete and file petitions and testify in court as necessary.
Conduct investigations in a timely manner, including interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts, and requesting and reviewing records as needed.
Document investigation activities in case notes and maintain accurate case records.
Advocate for and coordinate the provision of services, including identifying and arranging support services.
Write summaries, reports, letters, and memos.
Exercise discretion when making decisions and carrying out investigation activities.

Benefits

13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees.
12 days of sick leave per year.
State-paid 85%-95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
A health insurance premium credit that reduces employee-only premiums by 5% for participants.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State retirement contribution equivalent to 14.06% of employee pay to MainePERS.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents.
Additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.