Adult Services - Investigator

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

Working under the direction of the Director, this position performs a variety of case related activities involved in providing direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly and/or incapacitated adults. Major duties include the investigation, assessment, evaluation and provision of services for vulnerable or incapacitated adults, 18 years and older, who are alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited and determines if there is a need of any protective and/or social services. This position makes time sensitive contact with clients, significant others, interviews those who may have knowledge of the situation; and researches, obtains and analyzes complex financial and medical documents including psychological evaluations, as appropriate, as provided by: rules and regulations; policy guidelines and client consent; conducts networking and coordinating with others to serve Vulnerable Adults, including services that educate Vulnerable Adults, family members, and the community about abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, exploitation and protective services as a resource. This position will be responsible for investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, neglect and self-neglect of adults which will include gathering evidence to determine findings based on the preponderance of evidence standard and in assisting individuals with services that maintains safety and dignity. This position assumes all responsibilities as defined in the Vulnerable Tribal Adult Protection Code Chapter 7.28.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA) from an accredited college or university in health sciences or social work required. MSW preferred.
Must have a minimum of two years previous experience working with tribal Elders or Vulnerable Adult population coordinating all services. Experience must include working with a vulnerable adult population and addressing Elder abuse.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases required.
Ability to read and interpret technical procedures and instructions, write routine reports and procedural instructions, and assist with grant applications. Ability to effectively communicate and present information to Elders, families, caregivers and those working with the Tribe.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, volume, proportions, etc.
Ability to understand instructions and interpret appropriateness, solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability and knowledge to work closely with Tribal Elders and Vulnerable Adults and their families.
Must submit and be able to pass a criminal background check prior to employment and periodically after employment.
Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be insurable, and must sign a release of information to obtain a Washington State Driving Abstract. Driver’s License must not contain any restrictions that would otherwise prevent a Tribal employee from complying with the Tribe’s Vehicle Use Policy.
Must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment.
Must demonstrate sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment.
Must provide several references that validate the applicant’s good character and trustworthiness to work with Elders and Vulnerable Adults.
Maintains and ensures highest level of confidentiality regarding client issues.
This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.

Nice To Haves

MSW preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive reports of incapacitated and abused, exploited or neglected adults and elders and assesses the client and family’s needs and eligibility for Tribal services.
Conducts face-to-face interviews with clients in their residence (in-home, hospital, nursing home, residential facility, etc), investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and/or exploitation. This position offers, authorizes, arranges for and provides protective services to Vulnerable Adults
Assess vulnerable adult’s cognition, physical, mental and functional abilities.
Collects information from Tribal agencies, departments, and programs including reports, files, medical records, welfare check reports and other relevant information, in order to make decisions related to investigations, services and outcomes. Makes appropriate recommendations to Director for approval.
Coordinates and collaborates with: law enforcement agencies; WA State, county, and city agencies; legal entities; contractors/providers, physicians; community agencies and other Puyallup Tribal Departments and Programs in order to provide protective services.
Assists Director with developing contracts for services; Memorandums of Understanding; and Memorandum’s of Agreements (MOA or cooperative agreements) with service providers.
Develops and implements protection plans.
Reviews case progress and determines case closure when appropriate.
Facilitates the multiple care aspects (information sharing, case coordination, etc.).
Ensures orders are complied with by client and client’s families and/or caregivers.
Collects and evaluates relevant information to make decisions related to case plans, services and outcomes.
Maintains thorough case documentation for each client in database.
Initiates court actions through appropriate petitions and motions in conjunction with Tribal presenting officers.
Testifies and presents APS investigation evidence at administrative hearings, court proceedings, criminal, civil and administrative proceedings as requested.
Develops and makes referrals to other community resources; internal and external stakeholders such as Elder & Vulnerable Adult Services, Law Enforcement, and the Washington State Complaint Resolution Unit (CRU), etc.
Build positive relationships with community members, families and internal and external stakeholders
Acquires a complete working understanding of all relevant and related Tribal Ordinances and Codes, especially the Vulnerable Adult Protection Code.
Administers and implements the codes with other Tribal entities when necessary.
Provides client advocacy, as well as consultation, networking, family support and crisis intervention.
Provides annual training sessions regarding vulnerable Tribal adult abuse reporting, available assistance, and available resources to community.
Participates in department and Tribal planning efforts, events, and special projects of benefit to the members of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
Provides back-up support to Social Worker when Social Worker is unavailable or when assistance is needed.
Maintains the strictest adherence to confidentiality.
Other duties as assigned.