Adult Protective Services Specialist I/II
About The Position
This position is located in McAlester, Oklahoma, and plays an integral role in keeping vulnerable Oklahoma adults safe. The specialist receives and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving incapacitated adults. The specialist assesses the adult's capacity and needs, determines appropriate voluntary or involuntary services, coordinates service plans, prepares legal forms, attends court hearings, and provides testimony as necessary. The complexity of duties depends in part on the employee's level of experience, and salary depends on qualifications. Travel is extensive. The employee must have a valid driver's license and maintain required car insurance. Level I employees perform entry-level work in a training status before completing the Adult Protective Services New Worker Training Academy. They may participate in investigations with higher-level specialists, perform follow-up on ongoing cases, coordinate service plans, prepare court forms, attend hearings and testify if needed, attend case staffing and training, and conduct independent investigations of routine referrals. Level II employees receive intakes and investigate allegations involving incapacitated adults, document findings, assess cases and determine interventions, gather information from collateral contacts, and determine urgency. They may initiate and follow through on court proceedings for involuntary protective services and serve as temporary guardians within court-ordered limits. They involve the adult, when possible, family members, and caregivers in service planning and provide follow-up visits as required by policy or as needed.
Requirements
- Level I: Bachelor's degree in any field.
- Level II: Master's degree, or a bachelor's degree and one year of experience in professional social work.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must maintain required car insurance.
- Extensive travel is required.
Responsibilities
- Receive and investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving incapacitated adults.
- Assess an adult's capacity, needs, and circumstances and determine appropriate voluntary or involuntary services and interventions.
- Document investigations and gather additional information through collateral contacts.
- Apply self-protection techniques.
- Coordinate service plans with adults, when possible, their families, and other caregivers.
- Perform follow-up activities and visits for ongoing cases.
- Prepare legal forms, initiate and follow through on court proceedings, attend court hearings, and provide testimony as needed.
- Serve as a temporary guardian for adults within the boundaries ordered by the court.
- Attend case staffing and training, including training offered outside the APS academy.
Benefits
- Full State Employee Benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
