Adult Protective Service Worker

About the Role

Adult Protective Service Workers protect adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, or may be at risk of immediate danger. They provide access to services that support adults and families during times of hardship and work with families to access social services. This position is critical to the health and safety of West Virginia's vulnerable adults.

Upon completion of an in-house training program, these positions perform complex social casework and family intervention services. As cases may involve abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults, this employee must have the expertise and judgment to evaluate risk and assess levels of danger, which may include coordination with law enforcement. Due to the needs of this position, travel is required and may include being on-call during non-traditional hours. Ongoing training is provided, as is access to support services for the worker. This position is eligible for overtime pay.

Responsibilities

• Attend ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding adult abuse and neglect.
• Conduct investigations concerning allegations of abuse or neglect by talking with and visually observing affected individuals; talking with immediate family, relatives, neighbors, teachers, nurses, doctors, and relevant others, and reviewing pertinent records.
• Make an initial assessment of the validity of allegations and the degree of danger that adults are in, documenting the results of investigations of the accused.
• Complete family assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may be precipitating abuse or neglect situations.
• Develop effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well-being, and permanency of adults.
• Prepare safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse/neglect/exploitation, and solicit family cooperation.
• Engage families in counseling to resolve problems, refer them to other available resources, and monitor safety and risk of further abuse or neglect to prevent recurrence.
• File petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of adults, testify before the court, and make appropriate placements of adults, including but not limited to staying with relatives, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
• Evaluate the progress of families or living environments toward meeting objectives of safety/service/treatment plans, the need to modify plans, and the eventual disposition of cases.
• Maintain a caseload for programs and services with the adult population.
• Take, evaluate, and approve customer applications for services and eligibility criteria.
• Maintain active cases for Health Care Surrogate, Guardianship, Homeless, Adult Family Care, and Assisted Living.
• Possess strong communication skills, both oral and written, and maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.

Overtime hours and frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid West Virginia driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Accessibility to a phone.

Note: Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a Social Worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensure is obtained, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.

About the Organization

The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, the Bureau for Social Services operates under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, serving children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

Equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, these workers contribute to the advancement of a vibrant and healthy West Virginia by facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments. Through this hard work, at-risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.

County of work: Kanawha