Aps Investigator

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), is hiring an Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator to conduct senior-level investigations and provide direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, and/or incapacitated adults age 18 or older who are alleged to have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The role investigates complex cases, assesses client needs, determines whether services are needed, and coordinates appropriate assistance and placements. It requires extensive travel and timely casework, documentation, collaboration with clients and community resources, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and APS policies. The position is located at 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona. A full-time or part-time remote work schedule may be available at management’s discretion; remote work is not an employee entitlement and may be terminated by the agency.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state statutes and DES/DAAS regulations, policies, and procedures related to reporting 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 as it relates to appointing guardians and conservators.
Oral and written communication and active listening skills.
Time management, organizational, critical-thinking, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to accurately input information and conduct interviews.
Experience using computer software packages such as Excel, Word, Google Suite, and automated client files.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally and calmly, elicit information quickly and efficiently, and exercise discretion.
Ability to quickly assess, prioritize, and process incoming reports.
Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports with appropriate composition, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent on completion of the required process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Be subject to searches of the Child Protective Services Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry.
Have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued under Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 before starting employment.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
If operating a motor vehicle on State business, possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license; complete required training and pass required driver’s license record checks; maintain an acceptable driving record; and, when using a personally owned vehicle, maintain required liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field; alternatively, one year of professional case management or investigation services experience covering intake, needs assessment, service planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

Responsibilities

Investigate, assess, evaluate, and arrange appropriate services for complex cases involving vulnerable or incapacitated adults age 18 or older who are alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited.
Perform case investigation activities and provide direct and indirect assistance, including extensive travel and compliance with required time frames.
Determine whether services need to be provided.
Write comprehensive progress notes, case plans, risk assessments, safety assessments, and closure summaries.
Maintain accurate and timely case files.
Provide information and/or in-service training to community agencies and the general public.
Refer clients for possible guardianship and/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 as necessary 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 and review cases with the Unit Supervisor regularly to ensure compliance and that client needs are met.
Contact clients in a timely manner.
Interview people who may have knowledge of the situation.
Consult the APS Policy and Procedures Manual and ensure actions comply with laws and regulations.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) 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.
Optional full-time or part-time remote work schedule, subject to management discretion.
ASRS defined benefit plan providing lifelong income upon retirement.
Option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.