If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Human Services Caseworker
Opening Date: April 5, 2026
Closing Date: May 5, 2026
Job Class Code: 5069
Grade: 22 (Pro-Tech)
Salary: $25.68 - $34.65 per hour*
*Pay includes a $3.00/hour stipend. An additional $1.00/hour stipend is available with a relevant Masters degree.
Position Number: 03030-4071
Location: Portland — this position requires travel throughout Cumberland and York counties.
Core Responsibilities:
This position requires professional social services work. The candidate will be serving as a public guardian and/or conservatorship representative for individuals subject to public guardianship and/or conservatorship, including adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), mental illness, and dementia.
As a Public Guardianship/Conservatorship Representative, you will:
• Advocate on behalf of individuals subject to public guardianship and/or conservatorship to facilitate their receipt of the highest quality services to meet their needs and achieve their goals
• Promote the health and safety of individuals subject to public guardianship and/or conservatorship
• Fulfill all public guardianship and/or conservatorship duties required by statute, rule, and policy
• Interface with a variety of disciplines, such as medical, legal, and mental health professionals, to coordinate services
• In coordination with the Client Asset Management Unit, fulfill financial duties for individuals subject to public guardianship and/or conservatorship as required, including asset management and representative payeeship.
• Maintain communication with probate court regarding guardianship and status of public ward, including timely completion of required court forms and following required procedures specified in statute
• Provide consent for certain medical procedures and medication changes, and facilitate consent for medical procedures requiring supervisory review and approval.
• Maintain professional and beneficial relationships with individuals subject to public guardianship and/or conservatorship and their teams
Minimum Qualifications:
In order to qualify, you must have a Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare; OR a Bachelors Degree in a related social service/social welfare/social work area which includes at least 12 courses in behavioral science, social science, or social work; AND must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as determined by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.
Please submit a copy of your transcripts with your application materials.
The background of well-qualified candidates will include at least 1 year of experience working with incapacitated and dependent adults. Please describe that experience in your cover letter.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure. An LSW requires an earned BA/BS in social work/social welfare. An LSW-Conditional requires an earned BA/BS in a field related to social work/social welfare.
Possession of a valid Class C Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
*Chapter 10 of the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure regulations defines a field related to social work or social welfare as including but not limited to: “behavioral science, social and behavioral sciences, childhood development, education, human development, mental health and human services, psychology, educational psychology, rehabilitation services, and sociology.”
The board will consider degrees in other areas on an individual basis. For additional information on degree requirements, contact the Maine Board of Social Work Licensure at (207) 624-8603.
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 Aging and Disability Services (OADS) within DHHS is responsible for ensuring the safety, support and well-being of Maine’s older citizens, vulnerable adults and adults with disabilities.
Application Information:
For additional information about these positions, please contact Bethany Mulkern at Bethany.Mulkern@Maine.gov
Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@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 ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% 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 non-birthing 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.
.
If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
