APS INVESTIGATOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

3d•$22 - $23

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Adult Protective Services Investigator. This senior-level position investigates complex cases and provides direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, and/or incapacitated adults age 18 or older who are alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited. The work includes assessment, evaluation, and arranging appropriate services, often requiring extensive travel and compliance with established time frames. The investigator maintains accurate case records, consults APS policies and applicable laws, collaborates with clients and community resources, and may provide guidance and on-the-job training to other staff. The position may require driving or use of a vehicle for State business. Remote work is a management option and may be offered on a full-time or part-time schedule, but is not an employee entitlement and may be discontinued at the agency’s discretion.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state statutes and DES/DAAS regulations, policies, and procedures concerning reports 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 affecting adults with mental disabilities, serious mental illness, or frailty due to age.
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 guardian or conservator appointments.
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, assess and prioritize reports quickly, write clear and accurate reports, and deal effectively with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Prior to employment, have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued under Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07.
Successfully complete required background and reference checks, registry searches, and E-Verify employment eligibility verification.
If driving or using a vehicle for State business, 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 on State business must 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.
One year of professional case management or investigation services experience, including intake, needs assessment, service planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

Responsibilities

Investigate, assess, evaluate, and arrange appropriate services for complex cases involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults age 18 or older alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited.
Perform case-investigation activities and provide direct and indirect assistance, including extensive travel within 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 other team members as necessary and help train and guide new staff on the job.
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 that client needs have been 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 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.
Voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.