Adult Protective Services Specialist

Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications, they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience. Bilingual English/Spanish Encouraged.

SUMMARY OF POSITION 

This position is FLSA non-exempt and eligible for overtime. This position is union represented. Investigates, provides intervention and reporting of abuse against people with disabilities and older adults as required under state and federal mandate.  

Performs position duties in a manner that promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully.  Engages in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work-related associations. Develops good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner.  Demonstrates positive acceptance of constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance.  Contributes to a positive, respectful, and productive work atmosphere.  Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services. This position is a Mandatory Reporter by statutory requirement. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES 

65% Screening and Investigating Allegations of Abuse and Neglect 

• Screens Allegations and Completes Investigations of protective service and abuse/neglect allegations for elderly persons and/or people with disabilities in the community, at community-based care facilities, and nursing facilities.
• Responds to referrals of protective service and abuse for elderly persons with disabilities in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules. 

15% Assessing Risk and Need for Intervention 

• Provides comprehensive assessment and crisis intervention services for protective service/abuse situations for elderly persons and people with disabilities as needed including arranging for medical care, alternative living arrangements and other needed services.
• Refers protective service/abuse cases to ongoing case management or other services following crisis resolution, as appropriate.
• Conducts comprehensive initial assessment and periodic review of needs for individuals in risk management category.  Develops individualized plans in collaboration with other community agencies and resources to reduce risk to the client.
• Accompanies local law enforcement as required.
• Coordinates with volunteer agencies to provide services to risk management clients.
• Coordinates actions with law enforcement personnel, District Attorney, or other community partners to arrange for victim’s safety and security.
• Works with client, family, and other community resources to resolve ongoing case problems.
• Serves as a resource to providers, case managers, other public agencies, and the public. 

10% Gathering Information, Documentation and Evidence 

• Completes clear and concise abuse reports which may be used in legal and corrective action proceedings in a timely manner and in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rule. 

5% Community Education and Training 

• Makes presentations and conducts abuse prevention and education outreach as required. 
• Participates on Multidisciplinary Team. 

OTHER JOB DUTIES 

5% Provides backup support to unit staff as directed by supervisor. 

• May assist Case Managers in Medicaid eligibility process.  If assigned, completes eligibility in full, including all necessary paperwork and MMIS documents. 
• Attends meetings, staffing and training as directed by supervisor.
• Performs resource development activities.
• Other related duties as assigned by supervisor. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED 

Receives general supervision from the Senior and Disability Services Program Supervisor or Program Manager 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

Work involves frequent travel to make home or facility visits and potential exposure to diseases, unsanitary conditions, and traffic hazards. Environmental conditions may include exposure to bodily waste, illegal drug/use manufacture, communicable diseases, and presence of weapons and or vicious animals.    

Work involves potential risk to worker safety due to hostile, possibly violent persons. 

Work may involve travel and/or investigative work after hours. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience & Training 

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences. 
• Course work in social services, geriatrics, and health care or experience providing a knowledge of medical terminology affecting protected populations and/or investigative processes; OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of the elderly and/or people with disabilities and familiarity with the problems and issues confronting vulnerable populations in the local community.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of confidentiality rules regarding client and provider records and investigations, including HIPAA regulations.
• Knowledge of legal requirements regarding guardianships, conservatorships, power of attorney, advance directives, restraining orders, commitment hearings, and related matters.
• Knowledge of the principals, methods, and practices of investigation such as planning inquiries, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence. 
• Knowledge of, and ability to, operate a personal computer. 
• Knowledge of, and experience in, Microsoft software. 
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to write thorough, complex, and accurate investigative reports.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve conflicts effectively. 
• Skills and ability to respond and work effectively with angry and hostile clients, client representatives and service providers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys and law enforcement in verbal and written formats and provide occasional testimony during legal proceedings. 
• Ability to work with: (1) individuals who abuse alcohol and/or drugs, (2) individuals who are noncompliant with medical treatment, and (3) individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementing illnesses. 
• Ability to assess individuals in their own home to determine appropriate service and/or community referral.
• Ability to work effectively with representatives of other social agencies, and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively with clients and to use good judgment in handling individual case problems. 
• Ability to interact and work with a culturally diverse population. 
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 
• Ability to exercise good time management skills in order to accomplish both daily tasks and on-going projects. 
• Ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date records and to prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to work independently, organize and structure work, handle multiple projects and a high volume of work. 
• Ability to initiate own work with minimum supervision. 
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, consumers, other agencies, and the general public. 
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations. 
• Skills in performing psychosocial assessments. 

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements 

• Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the three-county area. 
• Position requires successful completion of a criminal history and driving record check. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. 

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.  To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.