Tribal Adult Protective Services Specialist

Quapaw Nation Careers • Miami, OK

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Tribal Adult Protective Services (APS) Specialist is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving Native American vulnerable adults within the Quapaw Nation Reservation. The APS Specialist provides culturally responsive intervention, advocacy, case management, and protective services while promoting the safety, dignity, and self-determination of at-risk adults in accordance with tribal sovereignty and traditional values.

Requirements

• Ability to think and act quickly, effectively, and responsibly under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, community partners, and tribal departments.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques, case management principles, and protective service practices.
• Ability to recognize and respond to situations that may present immediate safety risks or emergencies.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, elder rights, victim advocacy, and vulnerable adult service delivery.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, interviewing, crisis intervention, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to motivate and support individuals in achieving positive outcomes and greater self-sufficiency.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, maintain accurate records, and complete required documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems.
• Effectively present educational materials, training, and information to community groups, stakeholders, and service providers.
• Identify and respond appropriately to sensitive community, client, and organizational issues.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work effectively with adults, elders, families, and individuals from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of tribal culture, customs, traditions, and community values, tribal sovereignty, tribal government operations, and applicable tribal, state, and federal laws.
• Ability to travel throughout the reservation and service area, including client homes and community locations.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and partner agencies.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Must successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in social services, with preference given to candidates who have experience in Adult Protective Services, elder services, case management, behavioral health, victim advocacy, or a related field.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks that require reaching above shoulder level.
• Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be capable of conducting field visits in a variety of residential, healthcare, institutional, and community-based settings.
• Must be able to travel frequently throughout the reservation and service area, including transporting oneself to meetings, court appearances, client visits, and other work-related locations.
• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain, stairs, and varying environmental conditions encountered during field visits.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Human Services, or a related discipline preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related professional experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving vulnerable adults age 18 and older.
• Conduct home visits, facility visits, interviews, and comprehensive assessments to evaluate risk, capacity, safety concerns, and service needs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service, case, and safety plans designed to protect vulnerable adults from harm.
• Coordinate emergency interventions when necessary, collaborating with law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, shelters, healthcare providers, and other community resources.
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management services to vulnerable adults and their families.
• Collaborate with tribal, state, and external agencies, including healthcare providers, behavioral health services, elder care programs, legal services, prosecutors, and social service organizations.
• Advocate for the rights, safety, self-determination, and overall well-being of vulnerable adults.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with applicable tribal, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain organized files, records, and case documentation.
• Prepare reports, case summaries, affidavits, and other documentation necessary for investigations, legal proceedings, and court actions.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, statistical, and narrative reports as required.
• Collect, track, and analyze program data and performance measures.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony, reports, and recommendations as required.
• Participate in APS determination meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, case staffing, and interagency coordination efforts.
• Provide outreach, education, and prevention training related to elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, guardianship, and Adult Protective Services.
• Assist with the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of Adult Protective Services programs and initiatives.
• Assist with resource development and the establishment of community partnerships to enhance services for vulnerable adults.
• Analyze complex situations and develop appropriate intervention strategies and courses of action.
• Review case data and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Remain current on tribal codes, applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to Adult Protective Services, elder rights, guardianship, and vulnerable adult protection.
• Understand adult guardianship procedures, requirements, and applicable guidelines.
• Coordinate with tribal courts, state courts, BIA Courts, attorneys, healthcare providers, and family members regarding guardianship matters.
• Gather records, assessments, and supporting documentation for guardianship petitions and court proceedings.
• Educate vulnerable adults, families, and community members regarding guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, powers of attorney, and protective services.
• Promote the least restrictive alternatives whenever possible while supporting individual rights and self-determination.
• Follow written and verbal instructions, policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies and urgent Adult Protective Services matters.
• Respond to referrals and requests for assistance from law enforcement, APS hotlines, healthcare providers, community agencies, and internal sources.
• Safeguard sensitive and protected information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as required to support professional development and program objectives.
• Assist with special projects, community outreach activities, public awareness events, and departmental initiatives as assigned.

Benefits

• Hiring preferences in the following order will be provided to qualified members of the Quapaw Nation followed by spouse and caregivers of Quapaw Nation members and then other federally recognized tribes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level