Adult Protective Services Caseworker

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Human Services Caseworker

Opening Date:
August 11, 2026

Closing Date:
August 24, 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:

Portland-this position requires travel throughout Cumberland County.

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

As an Adult Protective Caseworker, you will:

• Perform professional social work for incapacitated and dependent adults, including Adult Protective Services Investigations of abuse, neglect and exploitation, guardianship studies and assessing for capacity to make decisions.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated and dependent adults, Identify and arrange for support services, and petition for public guardianship and conservatorship as appropriate.
• Communicate with individuals reporting to APS to determine whether APS has authority to become involved and document all relevant information electronically.
• Assess the need for public guardianship. Complete and file petitions and testify in Court as necessary.

• Performing the APS investigations process in a timely manner, which includes interviewing clients, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts and requesting and reviewing records as necessary.
• Documenting all investigation and guardian representative activities in the form of case notes.
• Advocating for and coordinating provision of services.
• Visiting individuals regularly for ongoing assessment of needs and safety.
• Maintaining accurate case records of activities; writing summaries, reports, letters, and memos.
• Exercising discretion in decision making in carrying out investigation and guardian representative 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.

* 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, human development, mental health and human services, psychology, educational psychology, rehabilitation services, and sociology."

The board will consider degrees in other areas on an individual basis. For additional information on degree requirements, contact the Maine Board of Social Work Licensure at .

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health car