Child Protective Services Caseworker

Child Protective Services Caseworker

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Opening Date:
June 8, 2026;
Closing Date:
Open Continuously. Job Class Code: 5077. Grade: 24. Salary: $32.35 – $42.34 per hour (includes a $7.50/hr recruitment and retention stipend).

Location:

Ellsworth.

• Perform professional social work in child protection, children’s services, and adoption.
• Engage families to assess child safety and develop plans to meet the safety, well‑being, and permanency needs of their children.
• Create multidisciplinary 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 and neglect, signs of danger; family strengths; and family functioning.
• Separate unsafe caregivers from children in need of protection when court action is required.
• Develop appropriate plans focusing on child safety, preservation of family relationships, reunification when appropriate, or placement in another family if needed.
• Maintain accurate case records, assessments, plans, summary reports, letters, and memos.
• Follow federal and state laws, mandates, policy, and time frames to ensure child safety, well‑being, and permanency.
• Perform case planning and, when needed, petition for protective custody and placement.
• Manage frequent overtime, emergency standby coverage, and regular travel within the geographic area served by a District Office.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Social Welfare, or a related social service field containing at least 12 courses in behavioral science, social science, or social work.
• Eligibility for or conditional/full licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as determined by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to manage and meet deadlines.

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually (with accrual increasing with years of service).
• Health insurance coverage:
  State pays 85-100% of employee-only premiums, with assistance for dependent coverage.
• Dental insurance:
  State pays 100% of employee-only premiums.
• Retirement:
  State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of pay to Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
• Parental leave: six weeks of fully paid leave to all parents, including non‑birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave under FMLA may be available.
• Additional wellness benefits as outlined by the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government is an equal opportunity employer that embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and we provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.