Child Protective Services Investigator

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

OCFS Background Check Unit

Opening Date: September 10, 2024        

Closing Date: September 23, 2024

Job Class Code: 5076
Grade:  22 Prof & Tech Svcs
Salary: $47,174.40 - $65,832 per year

Position Number: 02000-3706

Location: Augusta 

Core Responsibilities:

These positions will work within the OCFS Background Check Unit (BCU) and are located at Central Office in Augusta, ME. The investigators will be responsible for planning, organizing, monitoring and analyzing background check requests and reviews, and providing feedback to field staff.  BCU staff, under the supervision of the Background Check Unit supervisor and/or Manager, will be assigned specific background checks through a referral process.  The BCU staff will work within the Criminal Justice Information System to assess record information regarding those involved in the Child Welfare System.   

Expectations:
•    Conduct assigned district and statewide background checks within the timeframe that is agreed upon by BCU Program Manager and document your review and recommendations with a sound basis. 
•    Work diligently to reach factually supported conclusions in a timely manner while meeting federal and state mandates and timeframes.  You will analyze, interpret the results and report your findings to the district as directed.  
•    Ensure consistency of messages sent to the field regarding BCU.
•    Examining documents/information, determine facts, detect errors and irregularities, and taking action as authorized.
•    Creating, using, maintaining, interpreting, information within computer programs (such as the Maine Automated Child Welfare Information System, Criminal Justice Information Services and Lexus Nexus), computer databases and paper logs as mandated by program guidelines, state and or federal regulations. 
•    Collaborating with a variety of interested parties, such as other state agencies, the public and other municipalities. 
•    Conducting and submitting assigned child protective clearances for employment and follow established protocol.
•    Coordinating with management, peers and participating in unit meetings to enhance efficiencies and consistency within the programs.
•    A strong understanding of child safety as it relates to current child welfare practice and how that collates to criminal history.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify, you must have A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare or a related social service/social welfare/social work area; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or a related area; or four (4) years of experience conducting investigations as a sworn law enforcement officer or a similar capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

The successful candidate must pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (“CJIS”) clearance, as well as a fingerprinting background check and and complete training through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy; including any/all prerequisites. The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

1.    Knowledge of investigative procedures, methods, techniques and use of associated equipment.

2.    Experience in criminal investigations and/or law enforcement.

3.    Experience in gathering, evaluating and analyzing investigative information in order to   prepare detailed reports for prosecution.

Please submit a cover letter addressing your skills and/or prior experience in each of the three areas above. 

Thinking about applying?

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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.  We currently have a vacancy in our Augusta office. 

Application Information:

 Please submit all documents or files in  PDF format.

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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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 ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% 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 anything less than full-time.

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.