OCFS Policy Specialist Job Augusta area,Maine USA,Government

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:

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, and

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.

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 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…