APS INVESTIGATOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Tucson, AZ

3d•$22 - $23

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, is hiring an Adult Protective Services Investigator. The position performs senior-level case investigation activities and provides direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, or incapacitated adults age 18 or older who are alleged to have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The role involves investigating complex cases, assessing client needs and risks, determining whether services are needed, coordinating interventions, and maintaining compliant case records. It requires extensive travel to conduct investigations and meet required time frames.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state statutes, DES/DAAS regulations, policies, and procedures concerning reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment.
Knowledge of case investigation and social work practices and principles, including aging and elder rights, psychological abuse, perpetrator characteristics, and adult maltreatment.
Knowledge of physical and behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse involving adults with mental disabilities, serious mental illness, and frail elderly adults.
Knowledge of HIPAA.
Knowledge of appropriate interventions for behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms.
Knowledge of statewide community resources and the judicial system regarding appointment of guardians or conservators.
Strong oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, interviewing, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to use computer software such as Excel, Word, Google Suite, and automated client-file systems.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally and calmly, elicit information efficiently and discreetly, prioritize and process reports quickly, write clear and accurate reports, and deal effectively with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field, or one year of professional case management or investigation services experience involving intake, needs assessment, service planning, and monitoring and evaluation.
Subject to Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services registry searches.
Must have a valid, unrestricted Arizona Level One fingerprint clearance card before employment begins.
Must successfully complete E-Verify and background and reference checks.
If driving is required, must hold and maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, complete required driver training and record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees using a personally owned vehicle for state business must maintain required liability insurance.

Responsibilities

Investigate, assess, evaluate, and provide appropriate services in complex cases involving vulnerable or incapacitated adults alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited.
Conduct case investigation activities and provide direct and indirect assistance, including extensive travel within required time frames.
Determine whether services need to be provided.
Prepare comprehensive progress notes, case plans, risk and safety assessments, and closure summaries.
Maintain accurate and timely case files.
Provide information or in-service presentations to community agencies and the general public.
Refer clients for possible guardianship or conservatorship to the Public Fiduciary or other entities as required.
Provide testimony for case-related court appearances.
Facilitate appropriate in-home services and out-of-home placement.
Collaborate with clients, providers, and community resources to deliver appropriate assistance.
Assign tasks to team members and help provide on-the-job training and guidance to new staff.
Request, obtain, review, and analyze complex financial and medical documents, including psychological evaluations.
Meet with the Unit Supervisor regularly to review cases and ensure compliance and client needs are met.
Contact clients in a timely manner and interview people who may have knowledge of the situation.
Consult the APS Policy and Procedures Manual and ensure actions comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Arizona State Retirement System participation and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement
Stipend opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and public transit subsidy
Career advancement and employee development opportunities
Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, subject to management discretion