Human Services Investigator

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

18d•$38 - $47•Hybrid

About The Position

THIS WORK MATTERS! The Division is required by law to investigate allegations of abuse/neglect to adults served in IDDSD, process DAN (Death, Abuse, and Neglect) referrals, and ensure actions are taken regarding the health and safety of all individuals served. This position serves as the designee of the State of Oregon's DHS by conducting abuse/neglect investigations for adult individuals with developmental disabilities and writing comprehensive and justifiable investigative reports within a 55-day time frame, according to statute. The job function for this position is to receive, review, and assess reports related to death, abuse, or neglect for all individuals enrolled with DDSD. This position documents justifiable screening decisions and determinations if the event meets criteria for investigation. This position assigns appropriate recommended actions and follow-up to division staff, contract agencies, and community partners to ensure the health and safety of those enrolled. Additional primary job function for this position includes completing thorough, complex field investigations when the referral meets criteria of abuse/neglect, as defined by Oregon Administrative Rules. This position ensures law enforcement involvement as appropriate, and completes justifiable, comprehensive written reports, which may be used in a hearing and/or in conjunction with criminal charges when a law enforcement investigation is conducted.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology/sociology, criminal justice, or a related field. And two years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience.
An associate’s degree in human science, social science, behavioral science, or criminal science and four years of human services, law enforcement , or investigative experience.
Strong writing skills - a written assessment will be taken in the form of a mock investigative report if you are a top candidate after interview.
Diversity and Equity: Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diversity perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Completion of Core Competency Investigator Training (within six months of hire)

Nice To Haves

Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices that actively do not re-traumatize individuals and communities
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and laws of investigations
Knowledge of systems and services for people impacted by intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
Ability to work with a team to achieve good outcomes
Ability to successfully complete duties and assignments that are complex and difficult
Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful situations involving people demonstrating anxious, angry and/or uncooperative behavior
Ability to prepare comprehensive written reports
Comfort with frequent and significant change

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough and frequent, complex death reviews and investigations regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect of adult individuals served by IDDSD.
Identify legal issues, determine jurisdiction, and plan the scope, timing, and direction of the investigative inquiry.
Confer with law enforcement or regulatory jurisdictions to identify additional evidence or information needed to coordinate the investigation.
Conduct in-depth interviews with the community, victim, accused person, and witnesses. This may include taking photographs related to the investigation.
Collect, compile, and analyze information and data in order to conclude that may be used in a hearing.
Prepare comprehensive and justifiable reports that include witness statements, evidence, and exhibits, summary and conclusion-based review of all records.
Assess the need for protective services; determine and assign the appropriate recommended action needed or opens the concern for investigation.
Assign division staff to take appropriate action in order to ensure health and safety of the client. Initiates relocation of alleged victim in need for safety.

Benefits

Multnomah County values and supports diversity and inclusion. We do this by creating a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
As a Department of County Human Services (DHCS) employee, you will create a work culture of respect, trust, and understanding for the highly diverse populations of the Department of County Human Services in the office and in the community.
Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.
Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location.
All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
The onsite work location for this position is Five Oak, 209 SW 4th Ave, Portland Oregon 97209
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters
Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities.
During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical.
All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response.
During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.
The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference.
Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process.
Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance.
Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.