APS INVESTIGATOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Casa Grande, AZ

3d•$22 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator. The position performs senior-level case investigation activities 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 role involves investigating complex cases, assessing clients’ needs and safety, determining whether services are needed, coordinating appropriate in-home services or out-of-home placement, and working with clients, providers, and community resources. The position requires extensive travel to conduct case-related work within required time frames, as well as accurate documentation, analysis of complex financial and medical records, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and APS policies. The investigator may also provide information to community agencies and the public, testify in court-related matters, and support and guide other team members.

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 affecting adults with mental disabilities and/or serious mental illness and frail older adults.
Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Knowledge of appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms.
Knowledge of statewide community resources.
Knowledge of the judicial system as it relates to appointment of a guardian or conservator.
Oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, interviewing, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to use computer software packages such as Excel, Word, Google Suite, and automated client-file systems.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally and calmly, elicit information quickly and efficiently, and be discreet.
Ability to quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports as received.
Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports, including proper composition, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Meet required pre-employment registry, fingerprint clearance, E-Verify, background, and reference-check requirements.
If driving a vehicle on state business, possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, complete required training, pass driver’s-license record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees using a personally owned vehicle for 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; alternatively, one year of experience providing professional case management or investigation services, including intake, needs assessment, service planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

Responsibilities

Investigate, assess, evaluate, and provide 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 involving 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 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 and review cases with the Unit Supervisor regularly 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 (ASRS)
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