Social Services Program Specialist II

　　Augusta , Maine , United States | Community & Social Services | Full-time

　　Apply by: Jan. 30, 2024

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　　Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Opening Date: January 17, 2024Closing Date: January 30, 2024 Job Class Code: 5093

　　Grade: 25 (Supervisory)

　　Salary: $55,744.00 - $75,691.20/annuallyPosition Number: 03000-4522

　　Agency information:

　　TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) (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 Complex Case Unit (CCU), a specialized team-based resource housed in the Office of MaineCare Services (OMS), strives to provide adult Maine residents with simple and timely solutions to complex healthcare, financial, and placement issues. The CCU does this work through integrated provider and community involvement. The CCU utilizes existing community resources by convening teams and providing a structured path forward for vulnerable individuals.

　　REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:(A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.)

　　• Provide Maine residents with disabilities with solutions to complex healthcare, financial and placement issues through integrated provider and community involvement.

　　• Facilitate team meetings for adults without a discharge plan until a safe location is identified or other complex issue is resolved.

　　• Provide consultation/assistance to members and their team in accessing needed services and/or other resources to ensure the least restrictive environment as possible.

　　• Facilitate and partner with providers to develop a member plan of care.

　　• Maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, hospitals and providers in order to educate and ensure the best outcomes for the members.

　　• Maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, hospitals and providers in order to educate and assure best outcomes for the members.

　　• Assess all agencies for services/waivers member may be appropriate for (BIW, DD, APS, etc.).

　　• Train new CCU staff as well as provide trainings to external entities regarding CCU work.

　　• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Department.

　　KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:(These are required to successfully perform the work assigned.)

　　• Knowledge of current standards of care and practices relating to services provided by health care facilities, agencies, and practitioners.

　　• Knowledge of applicable Department programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

　　• Knowledge of client rights and confidentiality.

　　• Knowledge of applicable federal and state human services or mental health/developmental disabilities programs and policies.

　　• Knowledge of community resources, organizations, and services.

　　• Ability to facilitate team meetings effectively and efficiently.

　　• Ability to communicate and write clearly and effectively.

　　• Ability to collect and analyze casework material, draw valid conclusions and make independent decisions.

　　• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships while maintaining objectivity and professionalism.

　　• Ability to represent CCU and deliver presentations to groups.

　　• Ability to prepare training documents and train new staff.

　　• Ability to use applicable computer programs.

　　Minimum Qualifications:

　　An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in social services casework, social services program development/delivery.

　　Position prefers a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

　　Application Information:

　　Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

　　For questions, please contact Michele Lane at 207-624-4078

　　To request a paper application, please [email protected] ([email protected]) .

　　Benefits

　　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 Balance – 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 ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 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.

　　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 ($350.40 annual value).

　　Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.41 % of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

　　Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

　　Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

　　Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .

　　Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

　　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 four weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal) .

　　Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

　　Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

　　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.