SDS - APS Report Specialist

Human Resources•Albany, OR

2d•$27 - $38

About The Position

The APS Report Specialist supports Adult Protective Services Specialists (APSS) with overdue investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect involving elderly people and/or people with physical disabilities. The position reviews open investigations for missing information or tasks, gathers documents and evidence, contacts investigative parties, enters information into reports, and writes and completes investigative reports. It also reviews and edits completed reports for accuracy, thoroughness, policy compliance, and best practice, helping ensure reports are clear, concise, and timely and comply with Oregon statutes and administrative rules. The position creates tracking reports and training materials, edits local office policies and procedures, provides community referrals, and coordinates with law enforcement, District Attorneys, and other community partners to support victims’ safety. It serves as a resource to providers, case managers, public agencies, and the public, and provides backup support to unit staff as directed. The role requires courteous, respectful customer service, effective teamwork, regular attendance, and compliance with mandatory reporter requirements. It is a regular, part-time position at 25 hours per week. A resume and cover letter are required for consideration; bilingual English/Spanish skills are encouraged. The position receives general supervision from the Senior and Disability Services Program Supervisor or Program Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. Work is primarily in an office or remote setting using an agency-provided computer, telephone, and other office equipment. It involves prolonged sitting and computer work, proofreading, and filing, with frequent interruptions, as well as periodic overhead reaching and stooping.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
Coursework in social services, geriatrics, and health care, or experience providing knowledge of medical terminology affecting protected populations and/or investigative processes.
Knowledge of elderly people and/or people with disabilities and familiarity with challenges facing vulnerable populations in the local community.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of confidentiality rules for client and provider records and investigations, including HIPAA regulations.
Knowledge of legal requirements regarding guardianships, conservatorships, powers of attorney, advance directives, restraining orders, commitment hearings, and related matters.
Knowledge of investigation principles, methods, and practices, such as planning inquiries, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence.
Ability to operate a personal computer and knowledge of Microsoft software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including writing thorough, complex, and accurate investigative reports.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and ability to resolve conflicts effectively.
Ability to respond and work effectively with angry and hostile clients, client representatives, and service providers.
Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys and law enforcement verbally and in writing, and provide occasional testimony during legal proceedings.
Ability to work with people who abuse alcohol and/or drugs, are noncompliant with medical treatment, or have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementing illnesses.
Ability to assess people in their homes to determine appropriate services and/or community referrals.
Ability to work effectively with representatives of other social agencies and members of the public.
Ability to work effectively with clients and use good judgment in handling individual case problems.
Ability to interact and work with a culturally diverse population.
Ability to identify complex problems, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement solutions.
Ability to manage time effectively to accomplish daily tasks and ongoing projects.
Ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date records and prepare accurate reports.
Ability to work independently, organize and structure work, handle multiple projects, and manage a high volume of work.
Ability to initiate work with minimum supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, consumers, other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
Skills in performing psychosocial assessments.
Successful completion of a criminal history and driving record check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Assist APSS with overdue investigations of abuse and neglect allegations involving elderly people and/or people with physical disabilities in community, community-based care, and nursing facility settings.
Review open abuse and neglect investigations to identify missing elements and tasks needed for completion.
Gather documents, information, and evidence on behalf of APSS.
Take case actions, including requesting documents, calling investigative parties for interviews, entering relevant information into reports, and writing and completing reports.
Review completed abuse and neglect reports for accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to policy and best practice; edit reports as needed.
Ensure clear, concise, and timely abuse reports that comply with Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules and may be used in legal or corrective action proceedings.
Communicate with APSS assigned to investigations to help ensure investigations are thorough.
Create data-based reports to increase productivity and track completed work.
Write and edit policies and procedures for local office practices.
Create and update ongoing training materials.
Provide community referrals to appropriate service providers to address identified service needs.
Coordinate with APSS, law enforcement, District Attorneys, and other community partners to arrange for victims’ safety and security.
Serve as a resource to providers, case managers, other public agencies, and the public.
Provide backup support to unit staff as directed by the supervisor.
Attend meetings, staffing, and training as directed by the supervisor.
Perform resource development activities and other related duties as assigned.