Child Protective Services Caseworker

Position Overview Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks a Child Protective Services Caseworker to provide professional case management services for children and families across Maine. The role focuses on protecting children’s rights and well‑being, and building extensive contacts within judicial, law enforcement, educational, and social services communities. Salary and Benefits Salary: $32.35 – $42.34 per hour, inclusive of a $7.50/hr recruitment and retention stipend. Benefits include paid holidays, sick leave, vacation leave, health and dental insurance with substantial state subsidies, retirement contributions, parental leave, and wellness programs. Responsibilities Perform professional social work in child protection, children’s services, and adoption. Engage families to assess child safety and develop plans that meet safety, well‑being, and permanency needs. Create teams for each family consisting of family, staff, and community resources to support safe solutions. Reach factually supported safety decisions in a timely and thorough manner, incorporating input from parents, children, extended family, and community stakeholders. Assess child safety, abuse, neglect and signs of danger; family strengths and capabilities; family functioning. Separate unsafe caregivers from children requiring protection when court action is needed. Make appropriate plans for children, focusing on safety, preserving family relationships, reunifying children when possible, or achieving permanent placement if needed. Maintain accurate case records (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 Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Social Work/Social Welfare or a related field that includes at least 12 courses in behavioral and social science. Must be, or be eligible for, conditional or full licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) by the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. Detail oriented and able to manage and meet deadlines; willingness to work frequent overtime, emergency standby coverage, and regular travel within the geographic area served by a District Office. Special Requirements Applicants must have, or be eligible for, conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. Equal Opportunity Statement Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. Our hiring process ensures an inclusive environment for applicants of all backgrounds—including race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, or genetics. Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr Department of Health and Human Services