HUMAN SERVICES CASEWORKER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Human Services Caseworkers in the Office of Child & Family Services perform professional social work in the areas of child protection, children’s services, adoption, and intake.  Caseworkers join with families and the community to promote long-term safety, well-being, and permanent families for children.  Work includes assessing child safety, abuse/neglect, and signs of danger; client strengths and capability; family functioning; case planning; and petitioning for protective custody and placement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

In order to qualify, you must have a Bachelors Degree in Social Work/Social Welfare, or a Bachelors Degree in a field related to social work/social welfare* as determined by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

NECESSARY 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 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.

*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.”  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 (207) 624-8609 or by e-mail at penny.vaillancourt@maine.gov.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Department of Health and Human Services has vacancies on a regular basis throughout the state.  These positions require extensive travel in an assigned geographic area, and work requires regular after-hours (overtime) work.  We are seeking individuals who reflect the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our clients.

Qualified applicants will be added to the existing Employment Register which will be used to fill future vacancies throughout the state as they occur.  All applicants placed on the employment register will be scheduled for a 2½ hour structured interview at the regional office closest to the applicant’s residence.

Please include one self-addressed, stamped envelope with your application for notification of your Training & Experience Evaluation results.

TYPICAL DUTIES in this job classification include:

Engages families to assess child safety and to make plans that best meet the safety, well being, and permanency needs of their children.

Creates a team for each family consisting of family, staff, and community members to find safe solutions for children.

Reaches factually supported conclusions in a timely and thorough manner with input from parents, children, extended family, and relevant community stakeholders to assure safety.

Separates dangerous caregivers from children in need of protection.  When court action is necessary to make a child safe, uses authority with sensitivity and respect.

When children are placed in foster care, assures ongoing safety through frequent, meaningful contact with children and their caregivers.

Facilitates family teams to develop and implement creative, individualized solutions that build on the strengths of families to meet their needs.

Plans for children, focusing on the goal of preserving their family, reunifying their family, or achieving permanent placement in another family.

Maintains accurate case records of assessment, activities, and plans; writes summaries, reports, letters, and memos..

Works diligently to meet federal and state mandates and timeframes.

TESTING PROCEDURE:

The information you provide with your application will be compared to criteria developed by experts who are familiar with this job and its requirements and converted to a numerical score.  You should highlight experience which demonstrates a commitment to the elderly and/or adults with disabilities -AND- an understanding of issues important to these groups.

The Bureau of Human Resources reserves the right to use any other selection devices necessary in order to identify those candidates who are most qualified.

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer