Adult Protective Services Caseworker

Department of Health and Human Services • Bangor, ME

1d • $26 - $35 • Hybrid

About The Position

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Human Services Caseworker Opening Date: February 19, 2026 Closing Date: March 4, 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: 02022-7619 Location: Bangor—this position requires travel throughout Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. This is a full-time position located in Bangor, ME, and allows for up to 3 days telework per week 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. Your workload will include: 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. Minimum Qualifications: In order to qualify, you must have 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. Please submit a copy of your transcripts with your application materials. 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. 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.” The board will consider degrees in other areas on an individual basis. For additional information on degree requirements, contact the Maine Board of Social Work Licensure at [phone]. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart. Agency information: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. 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.

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; 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. Please submit a copy of your transcripts with your application materials.
• 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.
• Possession of a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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

• 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

• 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.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• 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 non-birthing 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.

What This Job Offers

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