Adult Protective Services Caseworker

Human Services Caseworker

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date:
July 8, 2026

Closing Date:
July 21, 2026

Job Class Code: 5069

Grade: 22 (P&T)

Salary: $25.68 - $34.65 per hour* (Pay includes a $3.00/hour stipend; an additional $1.00/hour stipend is available with a relevant Masters degree)

* Starting pay for new employees hired into this position is $27.73 per hour, step 3 of the pay scale.

Position Number:

Location:

Bangor—required travel throughout Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

• Perform professional social work for incapacitated and dependent adults, including Adult Protective Services investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; guardianship studies; and assessing capacity to make decisions.
• Assess need for public guardianship, complete and file petitions, and testify in court as necessary.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and identify and arrange for support services.

• Perform the APS investigations process in a timely manner, including interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts, and requesting and reviewing records as necessary.
• Document all investigation activities in the form of case notes.
• Advocate for and coordinate provision of services.
• Maintain accurate case records of activities; writing summaries, reports, letters, and memos.
• Exercise discretion in decision making in carrying out investigation activities.

In order to qualify, you must have a Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare; OR a Bachelors 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 issued by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

Please submit a copy of your transcripts with your application materials.

The background of well-qualified candidates will include at least 1 year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults. Please describe that experience in your cover letter.

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 Worker 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.

Possession of a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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 demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

• 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. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• 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 also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full‑time.