Public Service Coordinator - Associate Child Advocate

Associate Child Advocate I

The Associate Child Advocate I is responsible for assisting the Interim Child Advocate to establish the Office of the Child Advocate, a new agency established to provide independent oversight of state agencies and promote the best interests of children and ensure that children receive timely, safe and effective services in accordance with state and federal law. The office will begin the work of the new agency while also completing a needs assessment for the new agency.

The Associate Child Advocate I will also be responsible for providing expertise for Children's Behavioral Health issues.

Representative tasks include:

• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to review complaints and determine if the office considers it necessary to investigate the actions of the state agency and make recommendations to address concerns and identify whether a complaint raises a systemic issue.
• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to complete case-specific reviews on receipt of a complaint or on the office's own initiative.
• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to complete systems-wide periodic review of policies, programs, rules, procedures, or services offered to children and make recommendations to address systemic concerns.
• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to regularly consult with state agencies and the advisory committee and participate in conferences, meetings, and studies aimed at improving the performance of state agencies.
• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to provide information and referral assistance to families and the public.
• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to perform educational outreach and advocacy initiatives as part of the mission and responsibilities of the office.
• Assisting the Interim Child Advocate to complete outreach and learning with appropriate experts, agencies, research, and participate in any necessary trainings and research to set up the office during the interim period.
• Providing technical expertise for children's behavioral and mental health issues.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of child welfare law and practice
• Ability to analyze and review complex situations
• Strong writing and research skills
• Working understanding of the child welfare database Katahdin.

Minimum qualifications include:

A professional graduate degree in law, health care, public health, social work, or a related field.

Application instructions:

Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three (3) professional references. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

Contact information:
For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc

The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine include:

• Work-Life Balance
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Health Insurance Premium Credit
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Living Resources Program
• Parental leave
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation

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.