Aps Investigator

Arizona Department of Administration•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security’s Division of Aging and Adult Services is hiring an Adult Protective Services Investigator to conduct senior-level investigations and provide direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, 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 and risks, determines whether services are needed, and coordinates appropriate support and placements. It requires extensive travel and timely case contact and documentation. The investigator works with clients, service providers, community resources, and agency colleagues; may provide guidance and on-the-job training to newer staff; and consults the APS Policy and Procedures Manual to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The position may involve court testimony, referrals for guardianship or conservatorship, and review of complex financial, medical, and psychological records. The position is based in Tucson, Arizona. Remote work may be available as a management option and is not guaranteed.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state statutes, DES/DAAS regulations, policies, and procedures concerning reporting 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 involving adults with mental disabilities, serious mental illness, and frail older adults.
Knowledge of HIPAA, appropriate interventions for behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms, statewide community resources, and the judicial system as it relates to appointment of guardians or conservators.
Oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, interviewing, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to professionally and calmly elicit information from callers and clients while being discreet; quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports; write clear, concise, accurate reports; and effectively handle irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Ability to use computer software packages such as Excel, Word, Google Suite, and automated client-file systems.
Meet the pre-employment requirements, including required registry searches, a valid unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card before starting, successful E-Verify completion, and background and reference checks.
If driving on State business, possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, meet driver training and record-check requirements, and maintain required liability insurance when using a personally owned vehicle.

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 and assess complex cases involving adults age 18 or older alleged to have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Provide investigation-related direct and 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 and contact clients in a timely manner.
Provide information or in-service presentations to community agencies and the public.
Refer clients for possible guardianship or conservatorship to a Public Fiduciary or other appropriate entities.
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 train and guide new staff.
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.
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
Arizona State Retirement System participation 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