Human Service Worker - Adult Protective Services

Milwaukee County Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Service Worker (HSW) for Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible for assessing and evaluating the allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities ages 18 and up. Comprehensive evaluation includes determination of risk factors, competency, assessing validity of allegations, and determining whether allegations are substantiated per WI Administrative Code Chapter 55.

Requirements

Must be a current resident of the State of Wisconsin
Current Wisconsin Driver's License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; both maintained throughout employment.
Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Social Work or in a closely related field is REQUIRED.
At least two (2) years of recent experience working in case management or in a closely related direct service position is required.
Proficient at using a personal computer and standard office equipment.
Able and willing to travel to client households and within the community at least 50% of work time.
Knowledge of WI Administrative Code Chapter 55 regulations and statutory requirements.
Effective communication skills, both oral and written
The ability to maintain a balance of objectivity and empathy while interacting with individuals living in stressful or crisis situations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of external and internal collateral resources: client, alleged perpetrator(s), law enforcement, Court, hospitals, attorneys, schools, etc.

Nice To Haves

Background in Medical Social Work is desirable.
Bi-lingual desired.

Responsibilities

Interview individuals alleging maltreatment, assess/determine safety of victim, determine disposition of allegations.
Investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation.
Take corrective action, coordinate with collateral contacts family, case managers, lawyers.
Communicate with clients, family members and other interested parties to gather social, functional, physical, and mental information for evaluation.
Make referrals to Publicly Funded Long Term Care and/or other community services, as appropriate.
Evaluate situations based on facts, incapacitation, crisis, danger.
Remove clients from primary residence, admit them into emergency living environments and/or other community services appropriate for their current needs.
Communicate with medical providers to arrange medical and psychiatric examinations or treatment for clients.
Document case activities from the investigation and other interested parties and recommend next steps for client safety and well-being.
Prepare court documents and attend court hearings to testify, as needed.
Make recommendations for case disposition.
Participate in staff development programs, including in-service training, staff meetings, and professional seminars to maintain standards and current best practices.
Serve on related work groups, projects, committees and/or community projects, as assigned.
Travel at least 50% of work time to client households and within the community.
Perform other duties as assigned.