SDS - APS Report Specialist

Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments•Albany, OR

About The Position

The APS Report Specialist supports investigations of abuse and neglect allegations involving elderly people and people with physical disabilities in community settings, community-based care facilities, and nursing facilities. The role reviews open investigations for missing information or tasks, gathers documents and evidence, contacts investigative parties, enters information, and writes and completes reports. It reviews completed reports for accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance with policy and best practices, and edits them as needed. Reports must be clear, concise, timely, and consistent with Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules, as they may be used in legal or corrective action proceedings. The position also develops tracking reports, policies, procedures, and training materials; provides community referrals and coordinates protective actions with investigative staff, law enforcement, District Attorneys, and other community partners; and provides backup support to unit staff. It serves as a resource to providers, case managers, public agencies, and the public. The position is a mandatory reporter and requires regular attendance. It receives general supervision from the Senior and Disability Services Program Supervisor or Program Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. Work is performed primarily in an office or remote setting using an agency-provided computer, telephone, and other office equipment. The work includes extended periods of sitting, computer work, proofreading, and filing, with frequent interruptions, as well as periodic overhead reaching and stooping. The position is regular and part-time, at 25 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the job.
Coursework in social services, geriatrics, and health care, or experience providing knowledge of medical terminology affecting protected populations and/or investigative processes.
Knowledge of elderly people and/or people with disabilities and of issues confronting vulnerable populations in the local community.
Knowledge of community resources and confidentiality rules regarding client and provider records and investigations, including HIPAA regulations.
Knowledge of legal requirements regarding guardianships, conservatorships, powers of attorney, advance directives, restraining orders, commitment hearings, and related matters.
Knowledge of investigative principles, methods, and practices, including planning inquiries, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence.
Ability to operate a personal computer and experience with Microsoft software.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write thorough, complex, and accurate investigative reports.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve conflicts effectively and work with angry or hostile clients, representatives, and service providers.
Ability to communicate with attorneys and law enforcement verbally and in writing and provide occasional testimony during legal proceedings.
Ability to work with individuals who abuse alcohol and/or drugs, are noncompliant with medical treatment, or have Alzheimer's disease or other dementing illnesses.
Ability to assess individuals in their homes to determine appropriate services and/or community referrals.
Ability to work effectively with representatives of other social agencies, the public, clients, and a culturally diverse population.
Ability to use good judgment in handling individual case problems and to identify complex problems, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
Ability to manage time, maintain accurate and current records, prepare accurate reports, and handle daily tasks and ongoing projects.
Ability to work independently, organize and structure work, manage multiple projects and a high volume of work, and initiate work with minimum supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, consumers, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
Skills in performing psychosocial assessments.
Successful completion of a criminal history and driving record check.

Responsibilities

Assist APSS with overdue investigations of abuse and neglect allegations involving elderly people and people with physical disabilities.
Review open investigations to identify missing elements or tasks needed for completion.
Gather documents, information, and evidence on behalf of APSS.
Take action on cases, including requesting documents, contacting investigative parties for interviews, entering relevant information, and writing and completing reports.
Review completed abuse and neglect reports for accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to policy and best practices, and edit them as needed.
Ensure reports are clear, concise, timely, and consistent with Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.
Communicate with APSS assigned to investigations to ensure investigations are thorough.
Create reports from available data to increase productivity and track completed work.
Write and edit policies and procedures for local office practices.
Create and update ongoing training materials.
Provide community referrals to appropriate service providers to address identified needs.
Coordinate with APSS, law enforcement, District Attorneys, and other community partners to arrange for victims' safety and security.
Serve as a resource to providers, case managers, other public agencies, and the public.
Provide backup support to unit staff as directed by the supervisor.
Attend meetings, staffing, and training as directed by the supervisor.
Perform resource development activities and other related duties as assigned.