Human Services Enforcement Agent

State of Maine; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plan

Gym reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Parental leave

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Portland is seeking a Human Services Enforcement Agent to locate non-custodial parents, establish and enforce child support obligations, and determine paternity where applicable. The role involves investigative work and potential court action.

Reasonable qualification includes a Bachelor's degree in a related field and the possibility of travel for enforcement and court duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.
• Directly related paraprofessional or higher level experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Investigative, protective services work locating non-custodial parents.
• Establishing, enforcing, and collecting child support obligations.
• Establishing the paternity of children born out of wedlock.
• Enforcement actions initiating administrative collection actions.
• Initiating appropriate court action in relevant proceedings.
• Representing the Department's interest in Maine District Court in child support matters.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Business or Public Administration, or a related field

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date: September 17, 2026
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Job Class Code: 5009
Grade: 21 (Professional & Technical)
Salary: $24.71 - $30.14 per hour**
Employees in this classification begin at $24.71, Step 4 of the pay scale
Position Number: 02000-1232
Location: Portland
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
This position allows for a partial telework schedule with management approval based on operational needs after the first 1 year of initial training.

Core Responsibilities:

Human Services Enforcement Agents perform investigative, protective services work in locating non-custodial parents; establishing, enforcing, and collecting child support obligations; and establishing the paternity of children born out of wedlock.

• Investigative services work in locating non-custodial parents.
• Establishing, enforcing, and collecting child support obligations.
• Establishing the paternity of children born out of wedlock.
• Enforcement services work initiating administrative collection actions.
• Initiating appropriate court action.
• Representing the Department's interest in Maine District Court in matters pertaining to child support.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.
• Directly related paraprofessional or higher level experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Note: Applicants are subject to pre-employment screening including verification of minimum qualifications, application information, employment history, and references. Conditional offers are made to selected candidates who must successfully complete a pre-employment, fingerprint-based criminal history record check.

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 for Family Independence, Division of Support Enforcement & Recovery (DSER) is responsible for the development and implementation of the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures necessary to ensure that all non-custodial parents are contributing to the economic support of their children. Responsibilities include establishing paternity, locating non-custodial parents, establishing and enforcing child support orders and representing the Department's interest in the Maine District Court in matters pertaining to child support. This position requires occasional travel.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 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.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• 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.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. State employees are eligible for an extensive 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 for anything less than full-time.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statements:

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.