Child Protective Services Caseworker

Job Information

Department: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Location: Ellsworth

Opening Date: July 1, 2026

Closing Date: Open Continuously

Salary: $32.35 - $42.34 per hour (includes $7.50/hr recruitment and retention stipend)

We are looking for a Child Protective Services Caseworker who will develop investigative and case management skills and build contacts within the judicial, law enforcement, educational, and social services communities.

• Perform professional social work in the areas of child protection, children’s services, and adoption.
• Engage families to assess child safety and make plans which best meet the safety, well‑being, and permanency needs of their children.
• Create a team for each family consisting of family, staff, and community resources to support safe solutions for children.
• Reach factually supported safety decisions in a timely and thorough manner, with input from parents, children, extended family, and community stakeholders to assure child safety.
• Assess child safety, abuse, neglect, signs of danger, family strengths and capabilities, and family functioning.
• Separate unsafe caregivers from children in need of protection when court action is required to make children safe.
• Make appropriate plans for children, focusing on their safety needs, preservation of family relationships, reunifying children when appropriate, or achieving a permanent placement in another family if needed.
• Maintain accurate case records of assessments, activities, and plans; summaries; reports; letters and memos.
• Follow federal and state laws, mandates, policy, and time frames to achieve child safety, well‑being, and permanency, performing case planning and when needed, petitioning for protective custody and placement of children.

Successful candidates will be:

• Detail oriented.
• Able to effectively manage and meet deadlines.

Work requires frequent overtime, emergency standby coverage, and regular travel within the geographic area served by a District Office.

Minimum Qualifications: 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 determined by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

Special Requirement: 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 Work 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.

Note: Chapter 10 of the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure regulations defines a field related to social work or social welfare as including but not limited to: “behavioral science, social and behavioral sciences, childhood development, education and human development, mental health and human services, psychology, psychology/educational psychology, rehabilitation services, and sociology.”

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.

If you’re looking for a great next step, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.