Adult Abuse Investigator - Developmental Disabilities - Health and Human Services

Marion County•Salem, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Marion County Health and Human Services is seeking an Adult Abuse Investigator to screen and investigate complaints of abuse against adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental illness, and substance use disorders. The role involves conducting complex field investigations and comprehensive assessments to provide protective services, ensuring legal compliance with Oregon Administrative Rules. The investigator will prepare detailed written reports, conduct sensitive interviews, and make recommendations for the care of individuals who may be victims of abuse or neglect. This position requires independent work under general supervision, with potential to assist in supervising practicum students or volunteers.

Requirements

Master's degree in psychology, social work, education, criminal justice or a related field and one-year paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness; OR Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, education, criminal justice or a related field and three years paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness; OR Seven years of equivalent training and paraprofessional work experience as described above; OR Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.
Successful completion of OTIS Core Competencies Training within six months of hire.
Successful completion of Developmental Disability and Mental Health OTIS Core Competencies Training within six months of hire.
Pass a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana.
Possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history.
Possess and maintain proof of personal automobile liability insurance at a minimum in the amount required by Oregon Law [ORS Chapter 806] if using personal vehicle for business use.
Must not be excluded from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits).
Must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549).
Complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
Thorough knowledge of OAR relating to Abuse and Protective Service Investigations; laws and regulations regarding involuntary commitment, protective services and guardianship/conservatorship; principles and practices of investigation and research, including ethical interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods and techniques of negotiation; principles and techniques of interviewing; case management techniques and practices; knowledge of local social service agencies and community resources.
Ability to write accurate, complete and appropriate reports using proper grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Drives a motor vehicle and maintains an acceptable driving history.
Sees using depth perception.
Stands; sits; moves about the work area.
Climbs 1 floor of stairs.
Reaches overhead.
Lifts up to 15 lbs.
Pushes and pulls up to 10 lbs.
Moves carts weighing up to 10 lbs.
Carries items weighing up to 5 lbs. for up to 100 yards.
Operates a keyboard.
Speaks with a clear and audible voice.
Reads a 12 pt. font.
Hears a whispered level of speech.
Works in areas that may be exposed to dust, smoke, vibration, noise, wet areas, and chemicals.
Occasionally travel outside of the office into client homes, residential programs, employment settings, and community at large to conduct screenings, interviews, review evidence, and conduct investigative tasks.
Complete Incident Command System 100 and 700 on-line or in-person training.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of adults who experience IDD, severe and persistent mental illness, or another vulnerable population.
Understanding of the screening and abuse investigative process.
Understanding of person centered thinking principles.
Understanding of how to navigate Oregon statutes and administrative rules.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent time management skills.
Excellent critical thinking skills.
Team minded and collaborative outlook.
Ability to travel throughout the County to conduct screenings and investigations.

Responsibilities

Screen, respond to and investigate reports of alleged adult client abuse within OAR required timelines, including assessing and assuring protective services for eligible adults (I/DD, MH, SUDS).
Complete investigation and written report within OAR required timelines.
Conduct adult abuse investigations on-site at residential, employment, or family home, or in the community.
Interview all relevant persons and write reports using Centralized Abuse Management System (CAMS).
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Maintain compliance with documentation and record keeping standards.
Submit report to supervisor for review.
Send reports to state OTIS office for final approval.
Refer investigation recommendations for correction to the CAPS licensing specialist as appropriate.
Coordinate with providers, licensing specialist and/or case managers as appropriate, to assure protective services and investigation recommendations have been completed within designated timelines.
Work with local law enforcement agency to complete appropriate investigations.
Participate in Contested Case Hearings with OTIS as needed.
Provide consultation/technical assistance to service providers and case managers regarding issues of abuse.
Provide consultation to service providers, including health and human service department staff and case managers regarding issues of advocacy and client rights.
Assist the CDDP and CMHP manager in monitoring the quality of services delivered within the county; and assist the CDDP and CMHP manager in the identification needed system and service delivery improvements to assure health and safety of clients and prevent abuse.
Participate in regularly scheduled meetings and trainings relevant to position and to maintain investigator qualifications, including but not limited to: Adult Abuse Investigation Team meetings, MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) meetings, monthly Quality Council meetings, OTIS quarterlies, monthly OTIS call ins, and critical review meetings.
Interface with the OTIS required data management systems for screenings, abuse report writing, and incident reporting.
Utilize MCHHS, CCO, and ODDS electronic health record systems including Raintree, Laserfiche Intouch, eXPRS as needed for screenings and report development.
Maintain internal database and monitoring systems for abuse screening and investigation reports as they occur.
Provide or respond to reports from ODDS, MCHHS, or other entities as requested.
Perform duties outside of regularly assigned duties in the event of an emergency.
Work an extended or flexible schedule if requested.