Adult Protective Services Case Worker

Mercyhealth•Rockford, IL

About The Position

Adult Protective Services Case Worker, Older Adult Care, Mercyhealth at Home Make a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults by investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation in your community. As an APS Case Worker, you'll assess needs, create care plans, and connect clients to vital services while working with a supportive, mission-driven team. If you have a passion for making lives better, this could be an excellent opportunity for a career where compassion meets impact, apply today! - Rockford, Illinois - 80 hours / 2 weeks - Monday to Friday Day Shift Hours - Full-Time Benefits Eligible - We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan with a competitive matching contribution and paid time off. Mercyhealth offers several education assistance programs to support employees in their career advancement. Mercyhealth employees have access to our internal and external employee assistance programs, employee-only discount packages, paid parental and caregiver leaves, on-demand pay, special payment programs for patient services, and financial education to help with retirement planning. The Adult Protective Services Case Worker is within the Older Adult Care Department of Mercyhealth at Home for the Adult Protective Services (APS) program. The APS Caseworker adheres to the program rules, guidelines and policies set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). The APS Caseworker conducts investigations of Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment, Financial Exploitation and/or Self-Neglect for adults 60yrs or older and adults ages 18 - 59 with a disability who reside in a domestic setting or a facility. The APS Caseworker develops a written plan of care to mitigate the risk of abuse, implements needed services as appropriate and provides follow up services on an individual basis. .

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in Health or Human Services, Social Work, Health Care Administration, Gerontology or Criminal Justice; R.N. OR
An associate degree from an accredited program in health, nursing, soical services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, Disability studies, criminal justice or public administration and four years' experience in health or human services OR
An active licensed practical nurse license, with one year experience in health or human services, OR
Four years' expereince with law enforcement or criminal investigation
Minimum two years of experience with assessment of needs for older adults (60+years), or, for those 18-59 who have a disability, preferred.
Must attend Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Adult Protective Services Caseworker Certification Trainings Phase I, Simulation Training and Phase II and pass the test, as well as any other mandatory training as required by IDoA.
CPR/BLS required within 6 months
Requires a valid driver's license, a satisfactory driving record, and proof of automobile insurance equal or greater to that required by the state of Illinois.

Nice To Haves

The ability to negotiate difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and/or self-neglect within the specified time frame as set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging's (IDOA) Organization Standards and Responsibilities. Interviews alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, providers and other collaterals as required.
Provides Case Work activities for clients and families: assesses client needs, develops a case plan and links clients to resources. Monitors the resources/interventions put in place to ensure needs are being met.
Provides follow-up activities on a monthly basis which includes coordinating care/services for the client, evaluating if current services are sufficient and assessing the risk for future abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation or self-neglect issues.
Completes the paperwork required by the IDoA Adult Protective Services program accurately and in a timely manner.
Negotiates difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills and involves the APS Supervisor or Lead Caseworker when appropriate.
Utilizes the court system for judicial procedures such as Orders of Protection, Evictions, Guardianships or the like. Prepares the case and oneself to testify in court as necessary.
Coordinates with Waiver services such as Aging, DHS/DRS, DHS/DDD, MCO and the like per IDoA policies.
Participates in monthly M-Team meetings by presenting a case when scheduled to do so, offering constructive input to the group and incorporating recommendations in the Client’s case plan when appropriate. In addition, the APS Caseworker will take minutes when assigned and turn these in to the APS Supervisor or other designated staff within two weeks after the meeting.
Participates in Staff meetings: monthly APS meetings, monthly Older Adult Services all-dept meetings, as well as all-agency meetings, offering constructive input when appropriate.
Participates in IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities.
Completes annual required educational requirements for both IDoA/APS and Mercyhealth.

Benefits

health and dental insurance
tuition reimbursement
retirement plan with a competitive matching contribution
paid time off
Mercyhealth offers several education assistance programs to support employees in their career advancement.
Mercyhealth employees have access to our internal and external employee assistance programs
employee-only discount packages
paid parental and caregiver leaves
on-demand pay
special payment programs for patient services
financial education to help with retirement planning