Aps Investigator

Arizona Department of Administration•Prescott Valley, AZ

1d•Onsite

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, and/or incapacitated adults age 18 or older who are alleged to have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The position investigates complex cases, assesses client needs and risks, determines whether services are needed, and coordinates appropriate assistance and placement. It requires extensive travel and compliance with required case time frames. The investigator maintains complete and timely case documentation; works with clients, providers, and community resources; and may provide information to community agencies and the public, make referrals for guardianship or conservatorship, and testify in court. The role also includes reviewing complex financial and medical documents, consulting APS policies and applicable laws, and helping guide and train team members. The listed work locations are Prescott Valley and Cottonwood, Arizona.

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 involving 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 related to guardian and 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 files.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally and calmly, elicit information efficiently and discreetly, and quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports.
Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports, including correct composition, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to deal effectively with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Prior to employment, pass searches of the Child Protective Services Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry, and hold a valid, unrestricted Arizona Level One fingerprint clearance card.
Successfully complete E-Verify, background, and reference checks.
If driving on 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 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, monitoring, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

Investigate, assess, evaluate, and arrange appropriate services for complex cases involving adults age 18 or older alleged to have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Conduct investigation-related activities and provide direct and indirect assistance, including extensive travel within 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 training to community agencies and the general public.
Refer clients for possible guardianship or conservatorship to a Public Fiduciary or other entities as required.
Provide testimony at case-related court appearances.
Facilitate appropriate in-home services and out-of-home placements.
Collaborate with clients, providers, and community resources to deliver appropriate assistance.
Assign tasks to 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 regularly to review cases 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 applicable 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.
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave 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.