Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Child Protective Services Case Aide

Opening Date: April 18, 2024

Closing Date: May 1, 2024

Job Class Code: 5074
Grade:  18 (Pro/Tech)
Salary: $20.13* - $24.72/hr.

*This job class begins at step 3 of the pay scale.

Position Number: 02021-2101

Location: Machias or Ellsworth

This position may be eligible for $1,000 in Recruitment & Retention Incentive Payments. 

Core Responsibilities:

As a Child Protective Services Case Aide, you will play a vital role in the support and reunification of families served by the Office of Child and Family Services – Child Welfare division. You will:

·       Supervise visits between children and their parents, sit with children in hotel and hospital placement, and transport clients for various visits and appointments

·       Make referrals to connect children, parents, and family members with needed services

·       Enter documentation into the Child Welfare information system, Katahdin

·       Maintain legal records and serve court paperwork

A successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, organizational and computer skills. This position is part of a team dynamic that’s main objective is to assist, inform, and interact with the public. Your work will include significant travel within areas served by the local district office and will include occasional mandatory overtime.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify, your background must include training, education, or experience in office and client support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of the principles and practices in assisting management with policies and procedures, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making on complex administrative and direct service activities. This position requires the possession of a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Preference will be extended to candidate possessing the following skills/experience:

1.     Prior experience working directly with children and families in a social services setting.

2.     Skilled in the use of standard work-place applications (MS Word, EXCEL, Outlook, etc.).

Agency information: 

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 care providers. 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.  

Application Information:

 Please submit all documents or files in  PDF format.

For additional information about this position please contact Julie Donahue, CPS Supervisor at (207) 664-1431. To apply, please upload a recent resume (if available) and cover letter addressing each of the two competency areas identified in the above section. To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov .

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

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, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.