Adult Protective Services Investigator

AZ Dept. of Economic Security•Flagstaff, AZ

About The Position

The 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 role performs senior-level case investigation activities to 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 involves assessing complex cases, determining whether services are needed, and coordinating appropriate assistance and placements. It requires extensive travel and compliance with required case time frames. The investigator maintains accurate and timely case records, prepares comprehensive case documentation, works with clients and community resources, and may provide information or in-service training to community agencies and the public. The position also includes court-related responsibilities, collaboration with a Unit Supervisor, and assigning tasks or providing guidance to team members as necessary.

Requirements

Be subject to searches of the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
Have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1758.07 before starting employment.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
If driving or using a vehicle is required to conduct State business: possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license; complete required training and pass driver-record checks; maintain an acceptable driving record; and, when using a personally owned vehicle for State business, maintain the 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 affecting adults with mental disabilities, serious mental illness, and frail elderly adults.
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 appointments.
Skills in oral and written communication, active listening, time management, organization, accurate data entry, critical thinking, interviewing, conflict resolution, and use of computer software.
Ability to handle callers and clients professionally and calmly while eliciting information quickly, efficiently, and discreetly.
Ability to quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports; write clear, concise, accurate reports; and effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.
Meet the selective preference through either a 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/investigation services, including intake, needs assessment, service planning, and monitoring and evaluation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field.
One year of experience providing professional Case Management / Investigations Services, including Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Responsibilities

Investigate, assess, evaluate, and arrange appropriate services for complex cases involving vulnerable or incapacitated adults age 18 or older alleged to be 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 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 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 and review cases regularly to ensure compliance and that client needs have been met.
Contact clients in a timely manner.
Interview subjects 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/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.