SDS - APS Specialist

Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments•Toledo, OR

About The Position

The APS Specialist investigates and provides intervention and reporting for allegations of abuse against people with disabilities and older adults, as required by state and federal mandates. The position is FLSA non-exempt, eligible for overtime, and union-represented. It is a mandatory reporter role. The employee is expected to provide courteous, respectful customer service; work constructively with colleagues and agency partners; respond positively to feedback; contribute to a respectful and productive workplace; and maintain regular attendance. The role screens and investigates protective-service and abuse or neglect allegations involving older adults and people with disabilities in community settings, community-based care facilities, and nursing facilities. It assesses risk and needs, provides crisis intervention, coordinates safety measures and services, develops individualized risk-reduction plans, and refers cases for ongoing support as appropriate. The position documents investigations, may provide information or testimony in legal proceedings, conducts community education and outreach, and participates in multidisciplinary work. It may also provide backup to unit staff and assist with Medicaid eligibility work when assigned. The position receives general supervision from the Senior and Disability Services Program Supervisor or Program Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. Work includes frequent travel for home and facility visits, with potential exposure to communicable diseases, unsanitary conditions, bodily waste, illegal drug use or manufacture, traffic hazards, weapons, vicious animals, and hostile or potentially violent people. Travel or investigative work may occur after hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences; coursework in social services, geriatrics, and health care, or experience providing knowledge of medical terminology affecting protected populations and/or investigative processes; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of older adults and/or people with disabilities and issues confronting vulnerable populations in the local community.
Knowledge of community resources and confidentiality requirements for client and provider records and investigations, including HIPAA regulations.
Knowledge of legal requirements related to guardianships, conservatorships, power of attorney, advance directives, restraining orders, commitment hearings, and related matters.
Knowledge of investigation principles and practices, including planning inquiries, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence.
Ability to operate a personal computer and experience with Microsoft software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing thorough, complex, and accurate investigative reports.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve conflicts effectively and work with angry or hostile clients, representatives, and service providers.
Ability to communicate with attorneys and law enforcement verbally and in writing, and to provide occasional testimony in legal proceedings.
Ability to work with individuals 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 community referrals.
Ability to work effectively with other social agencies, the public, culturally diverse populations, clients, and staff, using sound judgment in individual case matters.
Ability to identify complex problems, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement solutions.
Ability to manage time, maintain accurate and current records, prepare accurate reports, work independently, organize work, manage multiple projects and a high volume of work, and initiate work with minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations and perform psychosocial assessments.
Possession of a valid Oregon Driver’s License or ability to obtain reliable transportation for travel throughout the three-county area.
Successful completion of a criminal history and driving record check.

Responsibilities

Screen allegations and investigate protective-service and abuse or neglect reports involving older adults and people with disabilities in community, community-based care, and nursing-facility settings, in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.
Provide comprehensive assessments and crisis intervention, including arranging medical care, alternative living arrangements, and other needed services.
Refer cases to ongoing case management or other services following resolution of a crisis, as appropriate.
Conduct initial assessments and periodic reviews for individuals in the risk management category.
Develop individualized plans with community agencies and resources to reduce risk to clients.
Accompany local law enforcement as required and coordinate with law enforcement, the District Attorney, and community partners to support victims’ safety and security.
Coordinate volunteer agency services and work with clients, families, and community resources to resolve ongoing case problems.
Serve as a resource to providers, case managers, public agencies, and the public.
Prepare clear, concise, timely abuse reports in accordance with Oregon statutes and administrative rules; reports may be used in legal or corrective-action proceedings.
Conduct presentations and abuse-prevention and education outreach as required, and participate on the Multidisciplinary Team.
Provide backup support to unit staff as directed by the supervisor.
Assist case managers with Medicaid eligibility when assigned, including completing required paperwork and MMIS documents.
Attend meetings, staffing, and training as directed; perform resource development and other related duties as assigned.