Child Protective Services Caseworker

State of Maine • Augusta, ME

4d • $32 - $42 • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) within DHHS is looking for people committed to protecting the rights and well-being of children by providing professional case management services for our clients throughout the State of Maine. As a Child Protective Services Caseworker, you will develop investigative and case management skills and build extensive contacts within the judicial, law enforcement, educational, and social services communities. If you’re in search of a career that is professionally and personally rewarding, offers exceptional training and educational opportunities, and supports children and families in Maine, this could be your next career opportunity.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 Work Licensure.
• Detail oriented
• Able to effectively manage and meet deadlines.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional social work in the areas of child protection, children’s services, and adoption.
• Engage families to assess child safety and make plans which best meet the safety, well-being, and permanency needs of their children.
• Create a team for each family consisting of family, staff, and community resources to support safe solutions for children.
• Reach factually supported safety decisions in a timely and thorough manner, with input from parents, children, extended family, and community stakeholders to assure child safety.
• Assess child safety, abuse, and neglect, and signs of danger.
• Assess family strengths and capabilities.
• Assess family functioning.
• Separate dangerous caregivers from children in need of protection when court action is required to make children safe.
• Make appropriate plans for children, focusing on their safety needs, preservation of family relationships, reunifying children when appropriate, or achieving a permanent placement in another family if needed.
• Maintain accurate case records of assessments, activities, and plans; summaries; reports; letters and memos.
• Follow federal and state laws, mandates, policy, and timeframes to achieve child safety, well-being, and permanency.
• Perform case planning and when needed, petition for protective custody and placement of children.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-100% 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 14.11% of employee's pay towards MainePERS)
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees welcoming a child
• Additional, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

What This Job Offers

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