Identification Specialist II- OCFS Background Check Unit

Department of Health and Human Services; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

3+ weeks vacation leave

Job summary

Department of Health and Human Services in Augusta, Maine, is seeking an Identification Specialist II to analyze criminal history records, confirm applicant identities, and evaluate legal documents. You will apply independent judgment to identify excluded individuals to protect vulnerable populations in Maine.

Key tasks include evaluating RAP sheets, confirming identities, and determining if individuals with criminal histories may be hired as direct access care workers.

Qualifications

• A two year combination of complex clerical experience and/or post-secondary education including at least six months evaluating and interpreting legal documents.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent telephone skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with law enforcement or the criminal justice field.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Computer skills, including knowledge of internet and database programs.
• Ability to work with managers and staff to identify training needs and research information on training/meeting opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze criminal history records (RAP sheets).
• Confirm identities against exclusion lists.
• Determine eligibility to hire direct access care workers for vulnerable persons in Maine.
• Perform computer testing for program enhancements.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Excellent telephone skills

Knowledge of law enforcement/criminal_

Diversity/partner relations

Computer skills (internet/database)

Education

Two-year combination of clerical expr. and/or post-secondary edu.

Tools

Internet & database programs

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Identification Specialist IIOpening Date: September 10, 2026Closing Date: September 23, 2026Job Class Code: 0523Grade: 16 (Professional and Technical Services)Salary: $17.69 - $24.27 per hourPosition Number: 02000-3926Location: We have an anticipated vacancy in our Augusta office.Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities:As an Identification Specialist you will be analyzing criminal history records, confirming identities, interpreting and evaluating legal documents. By using independent judgment to identify excluded individuals, you will be assuring that those with disqualifying criminal histories are not hired as direct access care workers for vulnerable persons in Maine.You will also:

• Evaluate, identify, and classify criminal history records (RAP sheets);
• Interpret and evaluate legal documents;
• Confirm applicant’s identities against various exclusion lists;
• Determine if individuals with criminal histories are able to be hired as direct access care workers for vulnerable persons in Maine;
• Perform computer testing for program enhancements.

Minimum Qualifications:A two (2) year combination of complex clerical experience and/or post-secondary education to include at least six (6) months of experience in evaluating and interpreting legal documents.Preferred candidates will have:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent telephone skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with law enforcement or the criminal justice field in general.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Computer skills, including knowledge of internet and database programs.
• Ability to work with managers and staff to identify training needs and research information on training/meeting opportunities, or to provide outreach materials and or training for providers in need of technical assistance.

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 Maine residents, 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 mission of the Division of Licensing and Certification is to ensure Maine’s citizens receive quality The Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS), within DHHS, is responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families through community networks, local resources, and life-long family connections throughout Maine.

For additional information about this position, please contact Nicole Marinaro, OCFS Background Check Program Manager at 626-8667.

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 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 costs for 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.

We are 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. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.