Child Protective Services Caseworker

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Opening Date: July 1, 2026 Closing Date: Open Continuously Job Class Code: 5077 Grade: 24 Salary: $32.35 - $42.34 per hour* * Hourly rate includes a $7.50/hr recruitment and retention stipend Location: Bangor Want to make a real difference in the lives of Maine children? 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. Responsibilities Perform professional social work in child protection, children’s services, and adoption. Engage families to assess child safety and make plans that 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. Assess child safety, abuse, and neglect and signs of danger; family strengths and capabilities; family functioning. Separate unsafe caregivers from children in need of protection when court action is required. Make appropriate plans for children, focusing on their safety needs, preserving family relationships, reunifying children when appropriate, or achieving a permanent placement in another family if needed. Maintain accurate case records of assessments, activities, 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. Qualifications Detail oriented. Able to effectively manage and meet deadlines. Work requires frequent overtime, emergency standby coverage, and regular travel within the geographic area served by a District Office. Minimum Qualifications 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 Work Licensure. 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 Work Licensure. An LSW requires an earned BA/BS in social work/social welfare. An LSW-Conditional requires an earned BA/BS in a field related to social work/social welfare. *Chapter 10 of the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure regulations defines a field related to social work or social welfare as including but not limited to: “behavioral science, social and behavioral sciences, childhood development, education and human development, mental health and human services, psychology, psychology/educational psychology, rehabilitation services, and sociology.” 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. Benefits Benefits of working for the State of Maine include: 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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value). Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Parental leave – 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 be available under Family and Medical Leave Act. 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 Employment Opportunity 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. Applicants may qualify through reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Application Process For additional information about this position please contact Lisa Bullard, Recruitment and Retention Specialist at 207-561-4240 or by e‑mail at Lisa.M.Bullard@Maine.gov. To apply, please upload a resume and state your degree information as identified in the Minimum Qualifications Section. To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov. If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting. #J-18808-Ljbffr