OCFS Policy Specialist

State of Maine; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 61,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

The State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services, is seeking a Policy & Planning Specialist II in Augusta, Bangor, or Portland. You will develop, revise, and implement evidence-based policies, collaborating with partners and subject matter experts to inform policy changes and practice improvements.

Ideal candidates have eight years of education/experience in social services and a Master’s in a related field, with strong policy writing, project

Qualifications

• Eight years of education and/or professional experience in social services.
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, or related field preferred.
• Experience in policy development, policy writing, and project management.
• Familiarity with OCFS programs: Child Welfare, Early Care and Education, Operations.
• Strong policy writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and implement evidence-based policies that are legally compliant and best-practice driven.
• Monitor relevant legislation, policy trends, and research to inform policy development.
• Lead policy research projects and draft policy briefs, presentations, and fact sheets.
• Establish and evaluate policy through periodic revision and QA activities.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders and subject-matter experts.
• Lead interagency workgroups, set agendas, facilitate meetings, and ensure statutory requirements.
• Engage with OCFS training in implementing policy changes.
• Conduct ongoing quality assurance to assess policy implementation.
• Manage OCFS projects and support the Program Manager as needed.

Skills

Policy writing

Policy development

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Data analysis

Legislation monitoring

Education

Eight years of education/experience in social services

Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Social Services Program Specialist II

Opening Date:October 14, 2026

Closing Date:October 27, 2026

Job Class Code: 5093

Grade:25 (Supervisory)

Salary:$61,193.60 - $86,403.20 per year*

*This is inclusive of a 2.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 02000-2516

Location: We have a vacancy in our Augusta , Bangor, or Portland office.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities:

As an OCFS Policy & Planning Specialist you will play an important role within the Office of Child and Family Services Policy & Training Unit. You will serve a primary role in the development, drafting, and/or revising of new policy or existing policy. You will be responsible for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including community partners, subject matter experts, and individuals with lived experience to inform policy development and practice changes. Primary job duties include:

• 1.Develop, revise, and implement evidence‑based policies that are legally compliant and reflective of best practices across OCFS program areas.
• 2.Monitor relevant legislation, policy, trends, research, and best practices nationally and in the state of Maine. Maintains knowledge of emerging issues related to OCFS’ programs and relevant policy areas.
• 3.Leads policy research projects to present findings and recommendations, including policy and practice changes. Drafts and manages policy research deliverables, including but not limited to, policy briefs, presentations, fact sheets, job aids, or other materials to support data‑driven policy development and implementation.
• 4.Implement a system of periodic evaluation and revision of current OCFS policies.
• 5.Work closely with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts by maintaining effective relationships related to new policy and policy revisions.
• 6.Leads interagency working groups, including but not limited to, developing work group strategy, agendas and meeting presentations, facilitating public meetings, and ensuring programmatic and statutory requirements are met.
• 7.Engage with OCFS training staff in the implementation of trainings regarding changes to policy.
• 8.Conduct ongoing quality assurance work to assess and make recommendations on the implementation of policy.
• 9.Managing projects within OCFS, which may include other departments/stakeholders. Support Program Manager with other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

In order to qualify, you must have eight (8) years of education and/or professional experience in social services.

Preference will be given to those candidates with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, or a related field. Preference will also be given to those candidates with demonstrated history in policy development, policy writing and project management.

The background of well‑qualified candidates will demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• 1.A knowledge of the following OCFS programs:
  • a.Child Welfare,
  • b.Early Care and Education,
  • c.Operations.
• 2.Strong technical and policy writing
• 3.Familiarity with mixed methods policy research, data analysis techniques, and experience in connecting data and research to policy and practice to guide data‑driven decision‑making.
• 4.The ability to effectively and efficiently manage projects, including keeping project team members on task and the project on time.

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 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.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Kristin Thorp at [phone] or by e‑mail at [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 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 pays85%-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 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.