Adult Protective Services Caseworker

State of Maine•Bangor, ME

3d•$27 - $36•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 with incapacitated and dependent adults. The role includes Adult Protective Services investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; guardianship studies; and assessing adults’ capacity to make decisions. The caseworker assesses the need for public guardianship, prepares and files petitions, and testifies in court as necessary. The position is based in Bangor and requires travel throughout Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Partial telework is available with management approval. Starting pay for new employees is $28.84 per hour, at step 3 of the pay scale. The listed range is $26.70–$36.07 per hour and includes a $3.00 per-hour stipend; an additional $1.00 per-hour stipend is available with a relevant master’s degree. The role is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work or Social Welfare; alternatively, 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.
Have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level from the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Possess a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Submit a copy of post-secondary transcripts with the application.
Describe relevant experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults in the cover letter.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults.

Responsibilities

Perform professional social work for incapacitated and dependent adults.
Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated and dependent adults.
Conduct Adult Protective Services investigations in a timely manner, including interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts.
Request and review records as necessary during investigations.
Document investigation activities in case notes and maintain accurate case records.
Assess adults’ capacity to make decisions and conduct guardianship studies.
Assess the need for public guardianship, complete and file petitions, and testify in court as necessary.
Identify and arrange support services; advocate for and coordinate the provision of services.
Prepare summaries, reports, letters, and memoranda.
Exercise discretion in decision-making while carrying out investigation activities.

Benefits

13 paid holidays and at least three weeks of annual vacation leave, with accrual increasing with years of service.
Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees.
12 days of sick leave per year.
State contribution of 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for eligible participants.
State-paid employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution equivalent to 14.06% of employee pay toward the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
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.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.