Social Services Program Specialist II

Opening Date: September 19, 2024

Closing Date: October 2, 2024

Job Class Code: 5093

Grade: 25

Salary: $57,408 - $81,078.40 per yr.

Position Number: 02000-3379

Location: We have an anticipated vacancy that can be located in our Augusta, Bangor, or Portland offices.

Core Responsibilities:

As the Out – of – Home (OOH) Investigation Team Supervisor you will provide direct supervision to Investigators whom are responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect allegations in State-licensed facilities and programs, and programs subject to licensure. These may include but are not limited to: childcare; children’s residential care facilities; children’s shelters; schools; unlicensed persons funded by the Department; and summer camps. The team also may investigate for other Departments. This position may travel statewide conducting and supervising investigations.

You will also:

• Conduct daily review of complaints and complete assignments to OOH and all licensing entities.

• Plan and coordinate investigations with law enforcement and licensing entities.

• Collaborate with the public and a wide range of professionals

• Conduct and supervise interviews with children and adults.

• Determine if child abuse and/or neglect have occurred.

• Determine if licensing violations have occurred.

• Review and approve all documentation of investigation activities and complete final investigation reports.

• Explain statute and regulations for childcare, children’s residential programs, and shelters for youth.

• Assess an individual’s personal characteristics, emotional stability, and social characteristics.

• Analyze and evaluate evidence/information.

• Explain appeal rights and procedures.

• Conduct informational meetings and/or trainings.

• Participate and/or testify in hearing processes.

• Provide consultation and supervision regarding pending investigations.

• Review, edit, and approve all completed investigations.

This work may require a substantial amount of travel and field activities, in addition to office-based administrative functions. Your work may require a flexible work schedule beyond the typical 8-5, Monday-Friday standard week.

Minimum Qualifications:

An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in children’s social service programs.

Preferred candidates will have:

1. Exceptional leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to direct and oversee the work of staff.

2. Prior experience assessing or investigating child safety.

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.

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 the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families throughout Maine.

Application Information:

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

For questions, please contact Janet Whiten at Janet.Whitten@maine.gov

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@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%-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.

Department of Health and Human Services

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