Adult Protective Service Specialist

State of Oregon•Oregon City, OR

22d

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where compassion meets action—become an Adult Protective Service Specialist and help safeguard the well-being of those who need it most. We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about the Adult Protective Service Specialist role, how to apply and ask questions. Wednesday 2/18/2026 from 12:00pm-12:45pm PST Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26350953312844?p=GFCTfglJl8ZOs3NdBN Meeting ID: 263 509 533 128 44 Passcode: aN7ez76w Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 971-277-2343,,918537036# United States, Portland Find a local number Phone conference ID: 918 537 036# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN For technical assistance, ODHS and OHA employees please contact the OIS Service Desk; guests, please click the "Learn more about Teams" link. Summary of Duties As an Adult Protective Specialist, you will have the responsibility to provide protective services to older adults and to adults with physical disabilities whose situation is within Aging and People with Disabilities’ jurisdiction to investigate. This person is responsible for conducting intakes of abuse as indicated by Oregon Administrative Rule, 411-020; completing investigations and risk management; providing prevention, protection, and intervention for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who are unable to protect themselves from abuse and self-neglect.

Requirements

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
A Bachelor's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and two years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience; OR an Associate's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and four years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience
Three years professional level experience related to the position may substitute for the Bachelor's degree; 18 months for an Associates.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in investigations (i.e. civil, legal, criminal or abuse/neglect).
Experience communicating with clients or members of the public who have challenges accepting or accessing assistance.
Experience in community or facility-based care settings.
Experience interviewing people to gather and verify information related to abuse, neglect and/or self-neglect.
Experience working in a highly self-paced and organized environment.
Experience navigating technology including multiple MS windows-based software and programs, data entry systems such as salesforce, and various computer systems or databases.
Experience with written documentation and an ability to write detailed, analytical, concise reports that involves information from multiple witnesses, documents/records, and observations.

Responsibilities

Conduct screening interviews by phone or in-person with victims and community members reporting abuse or self-neglect of an older adult or adult with physical disabilities.
During screening and triage, conduct a preliminary assessment of the alleged victim’s safety, possible risks to the investigator or other factors; determine need for emergency intervention.
Coordinate actions with law enforcement, District Attorneys, or other community partners to arrange for victim’s safety and security.
Investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect.
Plan the scope and direction of the investigation.
Conduct in person and phone interviews with the alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and witnesses.
Review documents and records such as medical or financial records.
Evaluate and organize evidence.
Collect and analyze physical and documentary evidence.
Address issues that arise during the investigation through problem solving, protective services or referrals.
Determine relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information and evidence.
Conduct home visits in both community and facility settings to assess and monitor living and safety conditions.
Intervene in situations where adults are at high risk of abuse or neglect within their living situations.
Decide when appropriate to refer to law enforcement personnel.
Evaluate the victim’s support systems, capacity to remain healthy and safe and ability to protect his or her own interests.
Develop and manage intervention plans that arrange for needed services, alternative living arrangements in the community-based care systems, or personal care.
Monitor the risk of individuals who are alleged victims of abuse, neglect or self-neglect.
Provide investigative information on criminal cases when needed.
Testify in court before grand jury, trials and hearings.
Give sworn depositions.