APS INVESTIGATOR

Arizona Department of Administration • Cottonwood, AZ

3d • $22 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, is hiring an Adult Protective Services Investigator to perform senior-level case investigation activities and provide direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, or incapacitated adults age 18 and older who are alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited. The position involves investigating complex cases, assessing needs and risks, determining whether services are necessary, and coordinating appropriate assistance. It requires extensive travel and timely case work. The investigator also collaborates with clients, service providers, and community resources, and may assign tasks and provide guidance to new staff.

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 among adults with mental disabilities, serious mental illness, and frail older 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 or conservators.
• Skills in oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
• Skill using 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, quickly assess and prioritize reports, write clear and accurate reports, and effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
• Must pass applicable Child Protective Services Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry searches.
• Must have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card before starting employment.
• Must successfully complete E-Verify and pass background and reference checks.
• If driving or using a vehicle for State business, must hold and maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license, complete required driver training, pass required driving-record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Personally owned vehicles used for State business must have 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 experience providing professional case management or investigation services, including intake, needs assessment, service planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, assess, evaluate, and provide appropriate services in complex cases involving vulnerable or incapacitated adults age 18 and older alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited.
• Conduct 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 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 other 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 and review cases regularly with the Unit Supervisor to 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 to 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed