Adult Protective Services Investigator

AZ Dept. of Economic Security•Cottonwood, AZ

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, is seeking an experienced and motivated Adult Protective Services Investigator. The position performs senior-level case investigation activities to provide direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, or incapacitated adults age 18 and 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, and coordinating appropriate support and placements. It requires extensive travel and timely contact with clients, along with accurate documentation and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. The investigator also works with clients, service providers, community resources, other team members, and the Unit Supervisor; may provide testimony in court; and may assist with training new staff.

Requirements

Be subject to searches of the Child Protective Services Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry.
Have a valid, unrestricted Arizona Level One fingerprint clearance card before starting employment.
Successfully complete E-Verify, background, and reference checks.
If driving or using a vehicle for state business, maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license, complete required training, pass required driving-record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees using a personally owned vehicle for state business must maintain statutorily required liability insurance.
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, or frailty.
Knowledge of HIPAA, appropriate interventions for behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms, statewide community resources, and the judicial system as it relates to guardianship and conservatorship.
Skills in oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, conducting interviews, conflict resolution, and using software such as Excel, Word, Google Suite, and automated client files.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally, calmly, and discreetly while eliciting information efficiently; quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports; write clear, concise, accurate reports; and effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.

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 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 for complex cases involving vulnerable or incapacitated adults alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited.
Provide case investigation activities and direct or indirect assistance, including extensive travel and compliance with required time frames.
Determine whether services need to be provided.
Write progress notes, case plans, risk assessments, 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 at 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 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 to review cases regularly and ensure compliance and that client needs have been 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 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.
Up to 12 weeks per year of paid parental leave 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.