Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Social Services Program Specialist II

Opening Date: October 1, 2024

Closing Date: October 14, 2024

Job Class Code: 5093
Grade: 25 (Supervisory)
Salary: $57,408.00 – $81,078.40 per year

Position Number: 03030-3945

Location: Augusta, Bangor, or Portland

This position will be located in the Augusta, Bangor, or Portland offices and includes statewide travel. 

Core Responsibilities:

This is professional services work in planning, coordinating, and administering Quality Improvement activities within OCFS.  Responsibilities include developing and implementing statewide policies and procedures affecting program services; performing planning, evaluation, budgeting, and staffing functions; and providing functional or direct supervision of the designated program.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

As the Child Welfare Program Manager, you will participate in and lead activities consistent with improving the quality of casework practice in accordance with the CFSR, Program Improvement Plan, and OCFS Strategic Priorities.  This position will be responsible for the supervision of the two Social Service Supervisors and oversight of their Quality Improvement activities and will review and analyze casework practice as it pertains to well-being measures for youth in care. 

The Child Welfare Program Manager will provide administrative supervision to the Plan of Safe Care Nurse and the Child Welfare Nurse Consultant in partnership with the OCFS Medical Director.  

The Child Welfare Program Manager will complete additional quality assurance and quality improvements as assigned as well as other tasks assigned by the Associate Director of Child Welfare Services and the Child Welfare Project Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in social service programs. Equivalent related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. This position requires full Social Work Licensure.

The background of well-qualified candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

1.    Apply knowledge of preparing and participating in quality reviews that lead to the identification of systems issues, development of remediation activities and monitoring for desired outcomes
2.    Apply knowledge of OCFS programs, policies and procedures as well as the Program Improvement Plan and CFSR
3.    Ability to write and communicate effectively.  Describe your experience with written communication and presentations.

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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 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 additional information about this position please contact Sarah Groom, Child Welfare Project Manager at 207-557-4867 (or by email at Sarah.Groom@Maine.gov). To apply, please upload a recent resume (if available) and cover letter addressing each of the three preferred skills/experience areas above. 

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.