Protective Services Representative

North Central Health Care • Town of Wausau, WI

1d • $30 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

The Protective Services Representative is responsible for carrying out the duties defined under Wisconsin State Statutes to ensure the safety, well-being, and self-determination of vulnerable adults (age 18 and older) who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. This position receives and investigates reports; provides crisis intervention; conducts field assessments; initiates guardianship and protective placement actions; and coordinates with medical, legal, and community partners to ensure adults at risk are protected in the least restrictive environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field.
• More than 1 year of experience in social work or a human services role.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.
• Must meet and continue to meet all requirements for insurability under the organization's vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be authorized to operate any vehicle and transport clients, patients, or staff as required by the position.

Nice To Haves

• More than 2 years in protective services or an adult care related field.
• Social Work Certification (CSW)
• Working knowledge of Wisconsin Chapters 54,55,46.90 and 51.

Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, and investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes and DHS APS guidelines.
• Conduct crisis intervention, field investigations, safety assessments, interviews, and home visits in sometimes unpredictable or unsafe conditions.
• Review medical, financial, and collateral information to determine risk and support safety planning.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal professionals, and community agencies to ensure safety and stabilization.
• Document all findings and actions in required systems, including the State of Wisconsin Incident Tracking System.
• Initiate and complete petitions for guardianship and/or protective placement when investigations support need.
• Obtain and coordinate required medical evaluations, Statements of Incapacity, and collateral assessments.
• Prepare and submit petitions, reports, and court documents; coordinate Guardian ad Litem and proposed guardians.
• Testify as an expert witness and present findings to the court, ensuring compliance with statutory timelines.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and determine the least restrictive placement options.
• Conduct investigations and recommendations regarding guardian conduct or removal when necessary.
• Complete required annual comprehensive evaluations for court-ordered protective placements.
• Assess whether guardianship and placement remain necessary and evaluate whether the current environment is the least restrictive option.
• Prepare and submit annual reviews and recommendations to the court; testify as required.
• Coordinate transportation, collateral testimony, and emergency protective placement actions as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, service providers, law enforcement, senior living facilities, and financial institutions.
• Promote awareness of APS reporting requirements and vulnerable adult protections.
• Participate in morning team huddles, staffing meetings, legal coordination meetings, and case planning discussions.
• Attend court hearings, care conferences, and agency coordination meetings as required.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to APS confidentiality and ethical practice standards.
• Provide timely reports, follow-ups, and notifications in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PTO
• paid holidays
• health insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• on-site bistro and cafeteria
• employee assistance program
• newly updated facility
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - hybrid defined benefit plan with 100% NCHC match on employee contribution
• 401(k) or defined contribution plan elements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level