Maine Department of Health and Human Services Direct Hire Vacancy Announcement Social Services Program Specialist I OCFS Hearings Specialist

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CODE:  5092DH		RANGE: 22 Prof & Tech Svcs	$34,091.20 - $ 46,217.60 /yr.



Value of State-paid Health & Dental Insurance:  $341.08 biweekly (90% State Contribution)



Value of State share of employee retirement:  11.54 % of pay.

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Opening Date: January 25, 2013	Contact:	S.Smith
Closing Date: February 8, 2013	Telephone:	(207) 287-1877
Restrictions: Only employees with Promotional Status within the Department of Health and Human Services May Apply
Location: Augusta, ME

Agency Information

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides supportive, preventive, protective, public health and intervention services that protect the public health and assist our customers in meeting their needs; and that assist families in providing for the developmental, health and safety needs of their children. DHHS strives to provide these programs and services while respecting the rights and preferences of individuals and families. The Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS), within DHHS is responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families through community networks, local resources, and life-long family connections throughout Maine. OCFS fulfills its mission through: Policy and Prevention, Intervention and Care Management, Community Partnerships, and Accountability and Information Services. This position will be based in Augusta.

Job Duties

As the OCFS Hearings Specialist, you will be responsible for reviewing and assisting the Office of Child and Family Services during Administrative Hearings process regarding substantiated cases that are appealed. This encompasses reviewing all substantiated appeal requests that rise to the level of an appeals hearing. You will serve as the OCFS expert in understanding the rules and policies regarding the child welfare substantiation process and the administrative appeal hearings process. You will work closely with district staff in gathering discovery and preparing cases for hearing. This process is very similar to preparing for a contested court hearing. You will be responsible for corresponding with the Hearing Officer and the defense attorney, subpoenaing witnesses, preparing the questions for all witnesses and presenting the case at hearing. You will also be responsible for preparing written closing summaries utilizing findings of fact on all cases that go to hearing. In addition, you will oversee the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) appeal process in coordination with the State Child Care Services team and represent OCFS and provide testimony at CCSP appeal hearings.


Parents/guardians may want to file a formal grievance against an agency for youth receiving treatment services from behavioral health provider agencies when they are not satisfied with the treatment their youth is receiving. You will be responsible for receiving the grievance hearing request, corresponding with the parent/guardian and the hearing officer, setting up the hearing within five calendar days of receiving the completed form unless otherwise specified by the parent/guardian. You will also testify and represent the Department at formal hearings, mediation, etc. as necessary.

Requirements

In order to qualify, you must have six (6) years of education and/or professional experience in social services casework, social services program development/delivery, or social services related fiscal/budget administration/analysis work. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be fully licensed as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

1.A thorough understanding of child welfare policy, in particular abuse and neglect findings of indications and substantiations.

2. Knowledge of and recent experience utilizing MACWIS.

3. Demonstrated experience testifying in court.

4. Strong technical writing skills. (With application you must submit a written writing sample, such as a report or case summary).