Adult Protective Service Worker Senior

Office of Shared Administration • Kanawha, WV

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Service Worker Senior positions perform work that is characterized by cases involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults as well as serving as a legal guardian or health care surrogate in these cases. As lead workers, these positions are expected to provide leadership and guidance in the investigation, assessment, and intervention of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases while maintaining their own caseload. These positions involve social casework, family intervention services, and access to support services for both adults and families facing hardship. Work requires collaboration with multiple organizations. These positions may serve as back-up to the supervisor. Work requires the use of a personal vehicle for travel. These positions are subject to being on-call during non-business hours and may be required to work overtime. Perform related work as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in adult services in a public or private health and human services agency.
• Valid WV driver’s license, and reliable transportation.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
• Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Accessibility to a phone.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Centralized Intake Worker, Adult Protective Service Worker, Child Protective Service Worker or Youth Service Worker may substitute for the required experience (for internal applicants only).
• Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a Social Worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensure is obtained, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.

Responsibilities

• Attending, ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding abuse and neglect.
• Conducting investigations concerning allegations of abuse or neglect by talking with and visually observing affected individuals; talking with immediate family, relatives, neighbors, doctors, and relevant others and reviewing any pertinent records.
• Making an initial assessment of the validity of allegations and the degree of danger that affected individuals are in, documenting the results of investigations of the accused.
• Completing assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may be precipitating abuse or neglect situations.
• Developing effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well-being of adults.
• Preparing safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse/neglect/exploitation and solicit family cooperation.
• Engaging families in counseling to resolve problems, referring them to other available resources, and monitoring safety and risk of further abuse or neglect to prevent recurrence.
• Filing petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of clients, testifying before the court, and making appropriate placements of adults, including but not limited to staying with relatives, in foster homes, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
• Evaluating the progress of families or living environments towards meeting objectives of safety/service/treatment plans, the need to modify plans, and the eventual disposition of cases.
• Maintains a caseload for programs and service with the adult population.
• Takes, evaluates and approves customer applications for services and eligibility criteria.
• Responsible for maintaining active cases for Health Care Surrogate, Guardianship, Homeless, Adult Family Care and Assisted Living.

Benefits

• Access to support services for both adults and families facing hardship.
• Extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity.
• Facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits.
• Fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior