Adult Protective Services Caseworker

State of Maine; Augusta (ME, GA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Human Services Caseworker to support vulnerable adults in Maine. This role involves conducting investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect, advocating for necessary services, and maintaining accurate case records. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field and have a passion for making a difference in the lives of those in need. Join a team that embodies the spirit of service and commitment to community well-being, offering a supportive work environment and comprehensive benefits that prioritize your health and work-life balance.

Benefits

13 paid holidays

12 days of sick leave

3+ weeks of vacation leave

85%-95% health insurance coverage

100% dental insurance coverage

Retirement plan contributions

6 weeks of fully paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field required.
• Must be eligible for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) licensure.

Responsibilities

• Perform investigations of abuse and neglect for incapacitated adults.
• Document case activities and advocate for service provision.

Skills

Social Work

Investigation Skills

Case Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Job description

Department ofHealth and Human Services (DHHS)

Human Services Caseworker

Opening Date: May 7, 2025

Closing Date: May 20, 2025

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.

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 Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare; OR a Bachelor’s 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.

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 Requirement: 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. An LSW-Conditional requires an earned BA/BS in a field related to social work.)

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 lived 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

Application Information:

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

For questions, please contact Janice Archer at [e-mail]

To request a paper application, please contact [e-mail]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% 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 fathers 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 anextensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated foranything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.