OCFS Policy & Training Specialist

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.

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Social Services Program Specialist II

Opening Date: July 17, 2026

Closing Date: July 30, 2026

Job Class Code: 5093

Grade: 25 (Supervisory Services)

Salary: $58,552.00 - $82,700.80 per year*

*This is inclusive of a 2.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 02000-3451

Location: Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities:

As an OCFS Policy & Training Specialist, you will play an important role in supporting adherence to policy, meeting the State’s strategic plan, and meeting Federal CFSR and Federal requirements by developing curriculum, job aids, and delivering training for OCFS child welfare staff.  You will support the identification of training needs for the organization, serve as a liaison between Central Office and the Districts to provide tailored professional development opportunities, and participate in other special projects related to policy and training, as needed. Under the direction of the Policy and Training Program Manager, you will participate in workgroups to inform OCFS program policies and procedures to meet the needs of children and families. 

Your duties will include the following tasks: 

1.        You will identify OCFS training needs by developing, issuing, and evaluating training needs surveys and working with staff, supervisors, and District and Central Office-level leadership and management. 

2.        You will partner with OCFS managers/staff to identify and communicate training opportunities to OCFS staff.

3.        You will act with considerable autonomy in leading and coordinating training for the organization.

4.        You will be expected to work independently on developing and delivering training and in assessing the organization’s training needs.

5.        You will also be expected to write and present reports summarizing training program delivery, feedback on the quality of training, and future training needs.

6.        You will support ongoing training evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities for training curricula. 

7.        You may participate in workgroups to identify policy gaps and inform the development of policy and procedural changes related to OCFS programs and services, to improve the effectiveness of OCFS in communications of policies to staff and relevant stakeholders.

8.        You may make recommendations for policy revisions based upon interactions with staff, providers, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

In order to qualify, you must have an eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in social services.

Preference will be given to those possessing a Social Work License (LSW or higher), active and in good standing. The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

1.        A thorough knowledge of OCFS programs, policies, and processes.

2.        The ability to research, analyze, and evaluate social services policies and services.   

3.        Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training programs to diverse audiences.

4.        Knowledge of surveying, data collection, and interpretation methods and techniques.

Thinking about applying?

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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. This position is in the OCFS Policy and Training Unit, located in Central Office.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position, please contact Kristin Thorp at (207) 592-1872 or by e-mail at [email protected] 

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter addressing the four competency areas identified in the Minimum Qualifications section above

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact [email protected]

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 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 ($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.

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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.