Aps Investigator

Arizona Department of Administration•Avondale, AZ

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator. The position performs senior-level investigation activities and provides 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 role is based at 290 East La Canada Blvd, Avondale, Arizona, and involves extensive travel to conduct case investigations within required time frames. The investigator assesses complex cases, determines whether services are needed, coordinates assistance and referrals, and maintains accurate case documentation. The role also includes working with clients, service providers, community resources, colleagues, and the Unit Supervisor; providing case-related testimony; and helping train and guide new staff. The position requires compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and APS policies and procedures.

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, and frail elderly people.
Knowledge of HIPAA.
Knowledge of appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms.
Knowledge of statewide community resources and the judicial system as it relates to appointing guardians and conservators.
Skills in oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
Skills using computer software packages such as Excel, Word, Google Suite, and automated client files.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally and calmly, elicit information quickly and efficiently, and maintain discretion.
Ability to quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports as received.
Ability to write clear, concise, accurate reports with appropriate composition, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Subject to searches of the Child Protective Services Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry.
Must have a valid, unrestricted Arizona Level One fingerprint clearance card before starting employment.
Must successfully complete E-Verify and background and reference checks.
If operating a motor vehicle on State business, must possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license, complete required training, and pass applicable driving-record checks; employees using a personal vehicle 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; or 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 age 18 or older alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited.
Perform case-investigation activities and provide direct and indirect assistance, including extensive travel within 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 and contact clients in a timely manner.
Provide information and/or in-service training to community agencies and the general public.
Refer clients for possible guardianship and/or conservatorship to a 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 with the Unit Supervisor to review cases regularly and ensure compliance and that client needs are 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.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) 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.
Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, subject to management discretion.
Voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.