Adult Protective Service Specialist

In a role dedicated to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society, you will play a crucial part in assessing and addressing the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring their protection against abuse and neglect.

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.
• During screening and triage, conduct a preliminary assessment of the alleged victim’s safety, possible risks to the investigator, or other factors; determine need for emergency intervention.
• 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. Plan the scope and direction of the investigation.
• Conduct in-person and phone interviews with the alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and witnesses. Review documents and records such as medical or financial records.
• Evaluate and organize evidence. Collect and analyze physical and documentary evidence. Address issues that arise during the investigation through problem solving, protective services, or referrals.
• Determine relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information and evidence.
• 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.
• Decide when appropriate to refer to law enforcement personnel.
• 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 in the community-based care systems, 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 before grand jury, trials, and hearings. 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, an 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.
• Experience demonstrating the ability to assess situations, analyze information, and make informed decisions to protect the population we serve.
• Experience conducting interviews as part of an investigation.
• Experience documenting investigative activities, managing case information, and writing reports.
• Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.
• Experienced in effective communication with individuals via telephone and face-to-face interactions.
• Proficient in navigating technology, inputting and retrieving data, and using various computer systems or databases.

Working Conditions

• Regular attendance is an essential function required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.
• Standard office environment. In-office, cubicle setting 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, other 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 to attend employee training classes.
• May drive a variety of different types of vehicles to remote places in a variety of terrain and possibly inclement weather.
• Will encounter animals, some of which may be dangerous. May be exposed to communicable diseases, such as the flu virus, Covid-19, and MRSA.
• You will interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Background Checks

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check 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 that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing 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 and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).