HUMAN SERVICES CASEWORKER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Human Services Caseworkers in the Office of Elder Services perform professional social work in the areas of adult protective services and public guardianship and/or conservatorship.  Caseworkers provide services that promote client self-determination and enhance welfare with the least restrictive alternatives consistent with the client’s need for services.  This position requires teamwork and flexibility within the work environment to meet client needs.  Work includes assessing danger and/or risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; client’s mental capacity and dependency; support systems; developing a case plan; providing ongoing case management; and petitioning for guardianship and/or conservatorship.  Case management activities for adults under guardianship/conservatorship include medical, psychiatric, placement, and financial decision-making.

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.

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:

Solicits and evaluates information concerning indicators of mental functioning, dependency, immediate danger, and substantial risk of danger.

Interviews clients, family, collateral contacts, and professionals.

Assesses client mental capacity, including ability to give informed consent.

Assesses client support systems.

Visits client regularly for ongoing assessment of client needs and safety.

Makes findings, based on facts, regarding incapacitation, dependency, and danger or substantial risk of danger.

Develops, implements, and monitors case plans to eliminate or reduce danger or substantial risk of danger.

Responds to crisis situations to protect client.

Refers clients to appropriate services, negotiates for, and coordinates services on behalf of the client.

Advocates for service provision.

Locates resources and effects placement in alternative living arrangements.

Facilitates and attends treatment team meetings and case conferences.

Collects and compiles social case history.

Provides related court activities such as preparing and filing petitions, testifying, and preparing clients and witnesses for hearings.

Develops budget plans and monitors client expenses and assets.

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

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