Adult Services - Investigator

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Services Investigator works under the direction of the Adult Services Director and performs case-related activities to provide direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, and/or incapacitated adults age 18 and older. The position investigates and assesses allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, or exploitation; evaluates clients’ needs and eligibility for Tribal services; and determines whether protective or social services are needed. The investigator makes time-sensitive contact with clients and others who may have relevant knowledge, and researches and analyzes financial, medical, and psychological records as appropriate, consistent with applicable rules, policies, and client consent. The role gathers evidence and determines investigation findings using the preponderance-of-evidence standard, while helping clients access services that maintain safety and dignity. It includes coordinating with Tribal and external agencies, developing protection plans, advocating for clients, maintaining case documentation, and supporting community education about vulnerable adult abuse and available resources. The position assumes responsibilities defined in the Vulnerable Tribal Adult Protection Code, Chapter 7.28, and has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Work is performed in an office setting, with travel and transportation of Vulnerable Adults throughout the service area. Telework may be required part-time or full-time depending on departmental and organizational needs, subject to the Tribe’s Telework Agreement and Policy. The role involves frequent contacts and interruptions, usually moderate noise, and low-to-moderate physical exertion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in health sciences or social work.
At least two years of previous experience working with Tribal Elders or a Vulnerable Adult population and coordinating services; experience must include working with vulnerable adults and addressing Elder abuse.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to read and interpret technical procedures and instructions, write routine reports and procedural instructions, and assist with grant applications.
Ability to communicate effectively and present information to Elders, families, caregivers, and people working with the Tribe.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, volume, and proportions.
Ability to understand instructions, assess appropriateness, solve practical problems, work with limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability and knowledge to work closely with Tribal Elders, Vulnerable Adults, and their families.
Must pass a criminal background check before employment and periodically after employment.
Must hold and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license, be insurable, and sign a release permitting access to a Washington State Driving Abstract; the license must not have restrictions that prevent compliance with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy.
Must have or obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment.
Must demonstrate sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment.
Must provide references validating good character and trustworthiness when working with Elders and Vulnerable Adults.
Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding client issues.
If required to telework, must complete the Telework Agreement and comply with the Telework Policy and work expectations.
Ability to operate office equipment, including a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile machine, and photocopier.
Ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English; ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including occasional lifting and/or moving of 10 to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive reports involving incapacitated, abused, exploited, or neglected adults and assess client and family needs and eligibility for Tribal services.
Conduct face-to-face interviews with clients in residences, hospitals, nursing homes, residential facilities, and other locations; investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, or exploitation.
Offer, authorize, arrange, and provide protective services to Vulnerable Adults.
Assess vulnerable adults’ cognitive, physical, mental, and functional abilities.
Collect relevant information from Tribal agencies, departments, programs, and other sources, including reports, files, medical records, and welfare-check reports; make recommendations to the Director for approval.
Coordinate and collaborate with law enforcement, state, county, and city agencies, legal entities, contractors, providers, physicians, community agencies, and Tribal departments and programs.
Assist the Director in developing service contracts, memorandums of understanding, memorandums of agreement, and cooperative agreements with service providers.
Develop and implement protection plans; review case progress and determine when cases should close.
Facilitate care coordination and information sharing, and ensure orders are followed by clients, families, and caregivers.
Collect and evaluate information to make decisions about case plans, services, and outcomes; maintain thorough case documentation in the database.
Initiate court actions through appropriate petitions and motions in conjunction with Tribal presenting officers.
Testify and present investigation evidence at administrative hearings and court, criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings as requested.
Develop referrals to community resources and internal and external stakeholders, including Elder & Vulnerable Adult Services, law enforcement, and the Washington State Complaint Resolution Unit.
Build positive relationships with community members, families, and internal and external stakeholders.
Acquire a working understanding of relevant Tribal ordinances and codes, especially the Vulnerable Adult Protection Code, and administer and implement codes with other Tribal entities when necessary.
Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention.
Provide annual community training on vulnerable Tribal adult abuse reporting, available assistance, and resources.
Participate in department and Tribal planning efforts, events, and special projects benefiting Puyallup Tribe members.
Provide backup support to the Social Worker when unavailable or when assistance is needed.
Maintain strict confidentiality and perform other duties as assigned.