SDS - APS Specialist

Human Resources•Toledo, OR

3d•$29 - $42

About The Position

Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect involving older adults and people with disabilities and provides intervention and reporting as required by state and federal mandates. The position is union-represented, FLSA non-exempt, and eligible for overtime. It requires regular attendance and is a mandatory reporter. The role emphasizes courteous customer service, effective teamwork, constructive communication, and positive working relationships with agency staff and community partners. The Specialist screens referrals, conducts investigations, assesses risk and need, coordinates crisis intervention and services, documents findings, and provides community education. The work includes visits to homes and facilities and coordination with clients, families, law enforcement, attorneys, providers, and other community agencies. The role receives general supervision from the Senior and Disability Services Program Supervisor or Program Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences.
Coursework in social services, geriatrics, or health care, or experience providing knowledge of medical terminology affecting protected populations and/or investigative processes; alternatively, a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of older adults and/or people with disabilities and familiarity with issues facing vulnerable populations in the local community.
Knowledge of community resources and confidentiality requirements for client and provider records and investigations, including HIPAA regulations.
Knowledge of legal requirements concerning guardianships, conservatorships, powers of attorney, advance directives, restraining orders, commitment hearings, and related matters.
Knowledge of investigation principles 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 effective conflict resolution.
Ability to respond and work effectively with angry or hostile clients, client representatives, and service providers.
Ability to communicate with attorneys and law enforcement verbally and in writing, and to provide occasional testimony during legal proceedings.
Ability to work with people 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 community referrals.
Ability to work effectively with representatives of other social agencies, members of the public, clients, and culturally diverse populations.
Ability to use good judgment, identify complex problems, evaluate information and options, and implement solutions.
Ability to manage time, maintain accurate and current records, prepare accurate reports, organize work, handle multiple projects and a high volume of work, and work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with staff, consumers, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations; skills in performing psychosocial assessments.
Possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation for travel throughout the three-county area.
Successfully complete a criminal history and driving record check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Screen allegations and investigate protective-service and abuse or neglect reports involving older adults and people with disabilities in the community, community-based care facilities, and nursing facilities.
Respond to referrals in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.
Provide comprehensive assessments and crisis intervention, including arranging medical care, alternative living arrangements, and other needed services.
Refer cases to ongoing case management or other services after crisis resolution, as appropriate.
Conduct initial assessments and periodic reviews for individuals in the risk-management category, and develop individualized plans with community agencies and resources to reduce risk.
Accompany local law enforcement when required.
Coordinate services with volunteer agencies and coordinate safety-related actions with law enforcement, the District Attorney, and other community partners.
Work with clients, families, and community resources to resolve ongoing case problems; serve as a resource to providers, case managers, public agencies, and the public.
Prepare timely, clear, and concise abuse reports in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules; reports may be used in legal or corrective-action proceedings.
Make presentations and conduct abuse-prevention and education outreach as required; participate on the Multidisciplinary Team.
Provide backup support to unit staff as directed by the supervisor.
May assist Case Managers with Medicaid eligibility; if assigned, complete eligibility work, paperwork, and MMIS documents.
Attend meetings, staffing, and training as directed; perform resource-development activities and other related duties assigned by the supervisor.
Maintain courteous and respectful service, effective team participation, constructive working relationships, and a positive and productive work atmosphere.