Public Service Coordinator - Associate Child Advocate Job Augusta area,Maine USA,Social Work

Position: Public Service Coordinator I - Associate Child Advocate I

Associate Child Advocate I

Office of the Child Advocate

Opening Date:
October 16, 2026

Closing Date:
October 21, 2026

Grade/Admin Unit: 27 / Confidential

Job Class Code: CA27

Salary: $67,267.20 - $95,097.60/Annually

Position Number:

Location:

Augusta

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

Description:

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:

Assist the Interim Child Advocate (ICA) to review the 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 and make recommendations.

Assist the ICA to complete case-specific reviews on receipt of a complaint or on the office's own initiative.

Assist the ICA to complete systems-wide of periodic review of policies, programs, rules, procedures, or services offered to children and make recommendations to address systemic concerns.

Assist the ICA 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.

Assist the ICA to provide information and referral assistance to families and the public.

Assist the ICA to perform educational outreach and advocacy initiatives as part of the mission and responsibilities of the office.

Assist the ICA 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.

Provide technical expertise for children's behavioral and mental health issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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:

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:

Work-Life Balance – 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 ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this…