Adult Protective Service Specialist

Initial posting date: 08/17/2026 • Application deadline: 08/31/2026

About the role

In this position, you will provide protective services to older adults and adults with physical disabilities whose situation falls under Aging and People with Disabilities’ jurisdiction to investigate. You will assess and address the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring their protection against abuse and neglect by conducting intakes, investigations, risk management, and intervention planning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screening interviews by phone or in-person with victims and community members reporting abuse or self-neglect of an older adult or adult with physical disabilities.
• Perform preliminary assessments of the alleged victim’s safety, possible risks to the investigator, and determine need for emergency intervention during screening and triage.
• Coordinate actions with law enforcement, District Attorneys, or other community partners to arrange for victim’s safety and security.
• Investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect by planning the scope and direction of the investigation, conducting interviews with alleged victims, perpetrators, and witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents and records.
• Evaluate and organize evidence, including physical and documentary evidence, and determine relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information.
• Address issues that arise during the investigation through problem solving, protective services, or referrals.
• Conduct home visits in both community and facility settings to assess and monitor living and safety conditions.
• Intervene in situations where adults are at high risk of abuse or neglect within their living situations.
• Refer cases to law enforcement personnel when appropriate.
• Evaluate the victim’s support systems, capacity to remain healthy and safe, and ability to protect their own interests.
• Develop and manage intervention plans that arrange for needed services, alternative living arrangements, or personal care.
• Monitor the risk of individuals who are alleged victims of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect.
• Provide investigative information on criminal cases when needed, testify in court, and give sworn depositions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in the human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences and two years of human service, law enforcement, or investigative experience; OR
• Associate's Degree in the human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences and four years of human service, law enforcement, or investigative experience.
• Three years of professional-level experience related to the position may substitute for the Bachelor's degree; 18 months for an Associate's degree.

Skills

• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, and members of the public.
• Ability to assess situations, analyze information, and make informed decisions to protect the population served.
• Experience conducting interviews as part of an investigation.
• Experience documenting investigative activities, managing case information, and writing reports.
• Adoption of trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.
• Effective communication with individuals via telephone and face-to-face interactions.
• Proficiency in navigating technology, inputting and retrieving data, and using various computer systems or databases.

Working Conditions

• Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of the job and provide necessary services.
• Standard office environment with frequent computer and phone use; hybrid work is an option after completing trial service.
• Must be able to drive to and meet individuals in their own homes, community settings, nursing homes, hospitals, or other care settings.
• Fast-paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures.
• Travel is required to meet business needs and attend employee training classes.
• May drive a variety of vehicles to remote locations in diverse terrain and possibly inclement weather.
• May encounter animals, some of which may be dangerous, and be exposed to communicable diseases such as the flu virus, Covid-19, and MRSA.
• Interaction with a wide range of people, including those who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• May encounter stressful situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.

Background Checks

If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm work authorization.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments and annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

$4,865 - $7,117 per month

Schedule

This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).