Adult Protective Services Caseworker

State of Maine•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves performing 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. The role requires investigating allegations, identifying and arranging for support services, and petitioning for public guardianship and conservatorship as appropriate. Communication with individuals reporting to APS is key to determine involvement and document information electronically. The caseworker will also assess the need for public guardianship, complete and file petitions, and testify in court as necessary. The workload includes performing APS investigations in a timely manner, interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts, and reviewing records. Documenting all investigation and guardian representative activities, advocating for and coordinating services, visiting individuals regularly for ongoing assessment, and maintaining accurate case records are also core responsibilities. The position requires 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.
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.
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 (State contributes 14.06% of employee's pay towards 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)