Adult Protective Services Investigator

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork.

About the role

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as an Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator. This position will be responsible for performing a variety of senior-level case investigation activities involved in providing direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly, and/or incapacitated adults 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected, or exploited.

Please review the video to learn more about the APS Investigator's role and responsibilities: APS Video.

Responsibilities

• Investigating and providing assessment, evaluation, and appropriate services of the most complex cases involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected, or exploited.
• Providing case investigation activities involved in direct and indirect assistance requiring extensive travel in compliance with required time frames.
• Determining if services need to be provided.
• Writing comprehensive progress notes, case plans, risk assessments, safety assessments, and closure summaries.
• Maintaining accurate and timely case files.
• Providing information and/or in-service to community agencies and the general public.
• Referring clients for possible Guardianship and/or Conservatorship to Public Fiduciary or other entities as required.
• Providing testimony for case-related court appearances.
• Facilitating appropriate in-home services and out-of-home placement.
• Collaborating with the client, providers, and community resources to deliver appropriate assistance.
• Assigning tasks to other team members as necessary and help provide on-the-job training and guidance to new staff.
• Requesting, obtaining, reviewing, and analyzing complex financial and medical documents including psychological evaluations.
• Meeting and reviewing cases with the Unit Supervisor on a regular basis ensuring compliance and the needs of clients have been met.
• Contacting clients in a timely manner.
• Interviewing subjects who may have knowledge of the situation.
• Consulting Adult Protective Services (APS) Policy and Procedures Manual ensuring actions taken are in compliance with laws and regulations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, DES/DAAS regulations, policies, and procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment.
• Knowledge of case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., aging and elder rights, psychological abuse, perpetrator characteristics, adult maltreatment, etc.).
• Knowledge of physical behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental disabilities and/or seriously mentally ill (SMI) and frail elderly.
• Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Knowledge of statewide community resources.
• Knowledge of the judicial system as it relates to the appointment of Guardian/Conservator.
• Skills in oral and written communication and active listening.
• Skills in time management and organization.
• Skills in accurately inputting information.
• Skills in critical thinking and conducting interviews.
• Skills in conflict resolution techniques.
• Skills in using a variety of computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, automated client file, etc.).
• Ability to handle callers and clients in a professional, calm manner, eliciting information quickly and efficiently while being discrete.
• Ability to quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports as they are received.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports including composition, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience providing professional Case Management / Investigations Services (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation).

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults, prior to the start of employment.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• If the position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, the following requirements apply:
  • Possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended.
  • Maintain acceptable driving records and complete all required driver training.
  • Maintain the statutorily required liability insurance if operating a personally owned vehicle on state business (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

Benefits

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid Parental Leave – up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Stipend Opportunities.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy.
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State-sponsored retirement contribution plan, and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments. On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines, and effective dates.