Protective Services Worker

Central Boston Elder Services Inc•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Protective Services Worker receives and investigates reports of elder abuse and self-neglect, provides consultation and referrals, and assesses elders’ needs, risks, and decision-making capacity. The role provides short-term, problem-focused casework and counseling to elders experiencing reportable abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect. The worker documents services and investigations in Harmony APS software in accordance with protective services regulations and agency policies. The position includes timely investigation of assigned cases, ongoing risk and capacity assessment, service planning with the Protective Services Supervisor, and coordinating appropriate services with the elder’s consent. The worker also participates in intake, scheduled 24-hour on-call coverage, external and community meetings, training, and staff meetings; protects consumers’ personal health information and follows applicable state and federal requirements and agency procedures.

Requirements

Either a master’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing, or gerontology, plus at least one year of counseling, casework, or case-management experience, preferably in Protective Services, domestic violence, or crisis intervention; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, or gerontology, plus at least two years of counseling, casework, or case-management experience providing protective, domestic violence, or crisis intervention services.
Sensitivity to elder issues.
Strong assessment skills.
Effective client advocacy skills and the ability to empower elders and people with disabilities to improve their quality of life.
Strong written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to build relationships with clients and coworkers in an urban, multi-ethnic, and racially diverse environment.
Organization, attention to detail, time management, and priority-setting skills; ability to manage diverse responsibilities and work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong computer knowledge, proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, and typing skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Ability to lift and carry objects frequently weighing up to 10 to 15 pounds.
Ability to climb stairs and travel to consumers’ homes in the community.
Ability to regularly stand, stoop, and bend.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with elders.
Knowledge of Home Care and health programs, community resources, and basic gerontology issues.
ASAP and EOEA documentation experience.

Responsibilities

Receive assigned elder abuse and self-neglect cases and consult with the Protective Services Supervisor for clarification and direction.
Complete a comprehensive case assessment within 30 calendar days of referral.
Respond to emergency reports within 5 hours, rapid-response reports within 24 hours, and non-emergency reports within 5 days.
Assess the elder’s capacity to consent to Protective Services.
Contact relevant collateral sources as necessary.
Consult with the supervisor throughout investigations and when determining whether to open a case.
Continually assess and document the elder’s risk level and capacity.
Meet weekly or more often as needed with the designated supervisor to review cases, determinations, risk assessments, and changes in consumer status.
Complete case documentation required by EOEA and CBES policies and procedures.
Develop service plans with the supervisor and review them with elders for consent when appropriate.
Develop and implement service plans to which elders have consented.
Research, locate, and match services to elders’ needs and preferences, using the least restrictive appropriate intervention.
Enter written service plans into APS and make timely revisions as required.
Participate in scheduled 24-hour on-call coverage.
Participate in receiving intakes and enter them into APS promptly.
Represent the agency at external meetings as required, including statewide EOEA meetings.
Participate in regional and statewide Protective Services meetings as necessary.
Initiate and present community education training on Protective Services as necessary.
Participate in relevant agency and EOEA training and stay informed about EOEA regulations and guidelines.
Attend and contribute to department and agency staff meetings.
Protect consumers’ Personal Health Information and report suspected security breaches.
Perform services in accordance with state and federal regulations and CBES policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.