Protective Services Worker - Woodburn 419-02-26

NWSDS•Woodburn, OR

About The Position

Investigate and report allegations of abuse against people with disabilities and older adults, as required under state and federal mandate. Balance is required in this job! Balance the need for and individual’s safety with their right to make choices about their own care. Balance field work investigating potential abuse with report writing and paperwork needs.

Requirements

A qualified applicant will have a minimum of four (6) years of equivalent combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or liberal arts
Two years of experience in social service or service-related work, OR three years of experience working or volunteering with seniors and/or people with disabilities
Make decisions regarding safety of any situation, for self and others, prior to conducting an investigation
Use judgment to determine when law enforcement contact is needed, and determine when EMT or ambulance assistance is needed
Knowledge of the social model underlying adult protective services and an understanding of the theory of adult protection
Knowledge of federal and state laws and Oregon Administrative Rules pertaining to adult protective services and the ability to research and interpret these regulations
Knowledge of, and commitment to, rules governing consumer confidentiality, mandatory reporting, provider records, and investigations
Know local resources to assist with planning for interventions and support for victims
Have knowledge of legal requirements regarding guardianship, conservatorship, power of attorney, restraining orders, and advance directives
Knowledge of social casework methods and techniques, and their application to individual cases including problems of placement in care facilities
General understanding of the principles of gerontology and the ability to work effectively with consumers and to use good judgment in handling individual case problems
Knowledge of functions and scope of public and private agencies, law enforcement agencies, and facilities providing social support services to seniors and to people with disabilities
Knowledge of sources for obtaining case data and ability to analyze and evaluate case data
Prepare concise and complete case records and related reports; prepare and provide testimony at hearings
Perform competent, holistic, assessments of adults in high risk situations and effectively interview people to secure specific types of information, including investigative interviewing with potentially uncooperative interviewees
De-escalate volatile and difficult situations to ensure the safety of the consumers
Working knowledge of, and the ability to apply basic word processing applications, basic spreadsheet applications, basic database applications, basic communication applications (e-mail), and other general office computer applications
Provide outreach services such as serving on committees, multi-disciplinary teams, and speaking to community groups
Understand and interpret applicable policies and apply them to problem-solving and decision-making in order to serve external and internal customers
Apply the knowledge and skills in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner to meet deadlines
Work with minimal supervision, and manage a high volume of work with critical deadlines
Organize and prioritize work to meet required time timeframes
Multi-task
Collaborate and coordinate with others
Build relationships and network
Exhibit excellent interpersonal communication and listening skills
Exhibit good judgment, and use courtesy and tact
Maintain professionalism and composure when met with potentially hostile and/or irrational behavior
Speak, read, write, and understand English
Intermediate computer skills and ability to use word processing, database applications, and e-mail
Follow verbal and written instruction
Know and commit to abide by rules governing consumer confidentiality and mandatory reporting
Support the agency’s mission, ethics, and values
Secure and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of Oregon, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation
Commit to regular attendance as it is required to meet the demands of this job
Pass a criminal background check successfully
Maintain and share information according to privacy regulations
Complete necessary work as assigned

Responsibilities

Investigates complaints or allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and serious self-neglect involving seniors, age 65 years and older, and persons with physical disabilities, age 18 years and older
Performs assessments for case planning and intervention
Completes a written report that encompasses the evidence gathered during the investigation
Conducts investigations into allegations in facility settings
Promotes person centered services
Protects consumers and reduces Agency risk
Provides excellent service in a professional manner
Perform overall assessment of the consumer’s physical, social, psychological, environmental, and financial situation
Conduct unannounced interviews with all pertinent parties within the mandated timeframe
Interview potential witnesses and gather evidence pertinent to the investigation
Develop and implement protective services intervention plans using the least intrusive methods possible
Maintain confidentiality of the information gathered during the investigation in accordance to the Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes
Work closely with other disciplines towards resolution of abuse/neglect cases
Participate in the monthly Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting to build collaborative relationships with Community Partners
Gather evidence for civil and criminal court proceedings; provide testimony as required
Determine the nature and extent of endangerment and implement protective measures to prevent further abuse from occurring
Provide in-service training to facility staff regarding mandatory reporting of abuse/neglect
Review the information and make a determination as to whether or not the allegation occurred and if wrongdoing is substantiated or unsubstantiated based on a preponderance of evidence
Ensure the report is completed within the designated timeframe
Review and gather facility documentation to determine abuse and/or neglect in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules
Conduct interviews with staff and facility administration to gather relevant information
Understand and interpret Medications Administration Records, Physician’s Orders, Care Plans, Progress Notes, etc. to determine if the facility provided care in accordance with the rules
Work collaboratively with APD during investigations to ensure resident safety in facilities
Embrace and exhibit the Agency Mission and Core Values
Understand the role of consumer choice
Interact with the public, consumers, co-workers and others in a patient, respectful and culturally appropriate manner
Educate self and others of resources available for populations served, including researching electronic and written materials and Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon resource database
Understand other Agency resources and accessing resources and assistance to consumers as needed
Follow policies, regulations and requirements of project and Agency; document plan and progress as required
Serve as a Mandatory Reporter of suspected abuse of vulnerable populations as required by policy and regulation
Maintain and sharing information according to privacy regulations
Meet the needs of consumers, follow through, meeting deadlines, and maintain skills and knowledge to perform the job
Apply the required knowledge and skills and exhibit critical thinking and problem solving
Exhibit good decision making, problem solving and work habits
Meet quality standards in accuracy, judgment, timeliness and following policy and procedure
Exhibit good work habits, including organizational skills, regular attendance, working independently, seeking and offering assistance when needed
Exhibit technology skills related to the work needing to be done, (word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet research, mail, IM, phones, copiers, etc.)
Regular attendance to meet the demands of this job and provide necessary services.