Recruitment and Retention 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: March 12, 2026

Closing Date: March 25, 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: 02010-1581

Location: 109 Capitol Street, Augusta

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Core Responsibilities:

Recruitment and retention of qualified staff is an important component of DHHS’s mission to serve the people of Maine. As the Recruitment & Retention Specialist within the Commissioner’s Office you will work with leadership in several offices to plan, develop, implement and coordinate a variety of recruitment and retention strategies. You will develop relationships with universities and colleges, represent DHHS at job/career fairs, develop recruitment materials and be the initial point of contact for potential candidates.

Other tasks performed in this position include:

• improve internship opportunities and the intern experience around the Department;

• compile recruitment and retention data within DHHS and state government as a whole, to help with data informed decision making;

• research current and best practices within recruitment and retention initiatives to introduce new ideas or to help improve current processes and procedures;

• assist other Recruitment and Retention Specialists within the Department;

• as well as other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in talent management, human resources, business/public administration, or related field.

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.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Desirea Murray at Desirea.Murray@Maine.gov

To apply, please upload a recent resume and a cover letter.

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

To request a paper application, please contact Lucia.Nadeau@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 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.