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SalaryDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Social Services Program Specialist I
Opening Date March 14, 2024
Closing Date: March 28, 2024
Job Class Code: 5092
Grade: 22
Salary: $45,801.60 -$61,443.20
Position Number: 2031-2265
Location: Portland, Lewiston, or Biddeford
This position does not require a nursing license, is generally M-F, does not require working on holidays, performing supervisory duties, or more than just a few days/year working early morning, nights, or weekends. It does require statewide travel and occasional overnight stays.
We are looking for a professional who thrives in a team environment, yet works well independently, to support the Department of Health and Human Service’s mission to promote health and safety for all Maine people.
- Work as part of a team of surveyors conducting licensing inspections and investigating complaints (aka “allegations”) about care given to patients of hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers (aka “day surgery centers”), dialysis centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (“ICF/IIDs”), portable x-ray providers, outpatient therapy providers, rural health centers, and possibly nursing homes;
- Complete reports, known as “Statements of Deficiencies,” outlining what, if any, rules/regulations these providers failed to follow;
- Write those Statements of Deficiencies in the format required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Principles of Documentation.
- Interview complainants and witnesses to obtain information regarding allegations;
- Participate in training, including mandatory on-line training required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”);
- Complete CMS’s 2.5-hour Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test (SMQT) within 1 year of date of hire;
- Ensure these providers are complying with both federal and State licensing requirements; and
- Provide technical assistance to providers to ensure they understand those regulations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following coursework/training and/or experience.):
A six (6)-year combination of education and/or professional experience in social services casework, social services program development/delivery, or social services-related fiscal/budget administration/analysis work.
A social worker license is NOT required for this particular position.
- Knowledge of federal and Maine regulatory requirements for the types of healthcare facilities listed above;
- Experience working in any one or more of the types of providers listed above;
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills;
- Ability to work with diverse individuals;
- Demonstrated excellent ability to write concisely, clearly, and with correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate politely, professionally, and effectively in writing and verbally;
- Demonstrated experience working productively and professionally both on your own and with a team;
- Demonstrated ability to maintain objectivity and professionalism during occasional unusual and stressful circumstances;
- Demonstrated ability to draw valid conclusions and make independent decisions;
- Demonstrated ability to be a positive team member;
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills;
- Pharmacy, social work, dietary/nutrition, and/or physical therapy experience or education;
- A valid Maine driver’s license; and
- Reliable transportation.
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.
Application Information:
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
For additional information about this position please email James Allen, RN and Acute team Supervisor, at James.Allen@Maine.gov.
To apply, upload a resume and cover letter* with your application. In your cover letter, explain how you meet the Minimum Requirements above, and state whether you have any of the attributes listed above under “Preferred candidates will ALSO have”. .
- Applications submitted with cover letters that do not address the information required above may not be considered for this vacancy.
To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov.
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 six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- 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.
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.
