Protective Services Worker – Adult Protective Services - San Francisco Human Services Agency (2940) (X00049)

City and County of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

This is the entry-level class in the Protective Services Worker series. Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-mandated program administered by the City and County of San Francisco, Human Services Agency, and Department of Disability and Aging Services. Under general supervision by the APS program, the Protective Services Worker receives and responds to reports of suspected abuse of elders and dependent adults, including neglect, self-neglect, and financial abuse. The worker conducts professional investigations and provides case management to victims of abuse. The position evaluates actual or potential harm to an elder or dependent adult and their estate; assesses biopsychosocial functioning, including medical condition, cognitive and psychological status, and the adequacy of care and support systems; and coordinates ongoing services that make effective use of community resources and help protect clients from further harm. Duties include home visits, risk and needs assessments, emergency interventions, service planning, counseling, follow-up, multidisciplinary coordination, public education, and case documentation. This is a Citywide Exam posting. Applying is an application to take a citywide exam; passing candidates are placed on an eligible list used by departments when positions in this classification become available. The application opening date is January 9, 2024, and the deadline is continuous. The listed annual salary range is $115,362–$147,212, effective July 1, 2026.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a master’s degree from an accredited two-year counseling program. Qualifying counseling degrees include Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, and Counseling Psychology, with supervised field placement included in the curriculum.
Satisfactory completion of two semesters of graduate field placement providing direct services to elders, dependent adults, or adults with physical, cognitive, or mental health disabilities in Adult Protective Services, intensive case management such as MSSP/Linkages, medical social work in a hospital or clinic, a mental health program or agency, a home health agency, or an alcohol and drug counseling and treatment program; alternatively, six months of post-baccalaureate professional work experience providing such direct services in one of these or a closely related area.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a clear Motor Vehicle Record.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a limited basis; drive within San Francisco and occasionally outside City/County limits as required by casework; enter and exit vehicles; climb flights of stairs for home visits; lift food boxes weighing up to 30 pounds; and complete visual assessments of clients and their home environments.
Submit a copy of a master’s degree diploma or transcripts with the application; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Pass the written multiple-choice examination to continue in the selection process.

Responsibilities

Conduct unannounced visits to elders and dependent adults in their living environments.
Investigate allegations and conduct risk assessments by interviewing clients, family members, relatives, neighbors, and others to assess immediacy.
Arrange immediate protective interventions and emergency services as needed, including medical assessments, emergency shelter, or in-home protection; coordinate medical aspects of cases with providers and agencies until immediate dangers are resolved.
Gather, document, and review detailed financial, personal, and confidential information, and prepare investigative reports, findings, and service-plan notes.
Conduct needs assessments for clients requiring protective services.
Develop service plans and organize initial care plans, including supported decision-making activities when appropriate.
Provide counseling to clients and significant others to address identified problems, implement service plans, and support social functioning and health adjustment within the client’s capacity.
Help clients address personal and environmental difficulties that perpetuate poor health and dysfunction or interfere with self-care and self-protection.
Monitor service plans and follow up through field visits and telephone contacts until service goals are achieved.
Assist with multidisciplinary team meetings involving healthcare providers, hospitals, Public Health/Mental Health, and other City agencies.
Collaborate with medical professionals, social-service providers, law enforcement, and other systems to design interventions and inform decisions about appropriate care and services.
Educate individuals and agencies about the role and authority of Adult Protective Services.
Conduct public presentations about casework in confidential, multidisciplinary settings and collaborate with community and City partner agencies.
Use a personal computer to prepare, review, and maintain records, correspondence, and reports; manage case documentation in an APS database and maintain timely email correspondence.