Adult Protective Services Case Worker - FT

Mercyhealth Wisconsin and Illinois•Rockton, IL

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Mercyhealth is an integrated health system delivering exceptional, coordinated care across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. For over 135 years, Mercyhealth has provided high-quality health care to residents throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, offering routine health care, as well as highly specialized care. The Adult Protective Services Case Worker conducts investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and/or self-neglect within specified time frames. The role involves interviewing alleged victims, perpetrators, family members, and other collaterals, providing case work activities, assessing client needs, developing case plans, and linking clients to resources. The caseworker monitors interventions, provides monthly follow-up, completes required paperwork, and negotiates difficult family situations. They also utilize the court system for judicial procedures and coordinate with various waiver services. The position requires participation in monthly M-Team meetings, staff meetings, and IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities, including annual educational requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in health or human services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, criminal justice, or nursing
OR An associate degree from an accredited program in health, nursing, social 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' experience with law enforcement or criminal investigation
OR An approved waiver of educational requirements for intake workers and case aides through the IDoA
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
Current CPR certification; or obtain through Mercyhealth within 6 months of hire
Requires a valid driver's license (for a minimum of 12 months)
A satisfactory driving record (as deemed by Mercyhealth)
Proof of automobile insurance equal or greater to that required by the state of Illinois
Must be able to speak and write the English language proficiently
Must be able to follow written/oral instructions

Nice To Haves

Minimum three years of experience with assessment of needs for older adults (60+years) or those 18-59 who have a disability
The ability to negotiate difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills

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
Takes minutes when assigned and turns 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