Human Services Investigator

Pay Range: $38.03 - $46.77 Hourly

About the Role

This recruitment will close when 150 applications have been received or on August 14, 2026, whichever comes first.

THIS WORK MATTERS! The Division is required by law to investigate allegations of abuse/neglect to adults served in IDDSD, process DAN (Death, Abuse, and Neglect) referrals, and ensure actions are taken regarding the health and safety of all individuals served. This position serves as the designee of the State of Oregon's DHS by conducting abuse/neglect investigations for adult individuals with developmental disabilities and writing comprehensive and justifiable investigative reports within a 55-day time frame, according to statute.

The job function for this position is to receive, review, and assess reports related to death, abuse, or neglect for all individuals enrolled with DDSD. This position documents justifiable screening decisions and determinations if the event meets criteria for investigation. This position assigns appropriate recommended actions and follow-up to division staff, contract agencies, and community partners to ensure the health and safety of those enrolled.

Additional primary job function for this position includes completing thorough, complex field investigations when the referral meets criteria of abuse/neglect, as defined by Oregon Administrative Rules. This position ensures law enforcement involvement as appropriate and completes justifiable, comprehensive written reports, which may be used in a hearing and/or in conjunction with criminal charges when a law enforcement investigation is conducted.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and frequent, complex death reviews and investigations regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect of adult individuals served by IDDSD.
• Identify legal issues, determine jurisdiction, and plan the scope, timing, and direction of the investigative inquiry.
• Confer with law enforcement or regulatory jurisdictions to identify additional evidence or information needed to coordinate the investigation.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with the community, victim, accused person, and witnesses. This may include taking photographs related to the investigation.
• Collect, compile, and analyze information and data in order to conclude that may be used in a hearing.
• Prepare comprehensive and justifiable reports that include witness statements, evidence, and exhibits, summary and conclusion-based review of all records.
• Assess the need for protective services; determine and assign the appropriate recommended action needed or opens the concern for investigation.
• Assign division staff to take appropriate action in order to ensure health and safety of the client. Initiates relocation of alleged victim in need for safety.

Qualifications

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled as required.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Education/Training:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology/sociology, criminal justice, or a related field and two years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience.
  • An associate’s degree in human science, social science, behavioral science, or criminal science and four years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience.
• Strong writing skills - a written assessment will be taken in the form of a mock investigative report if you are a top candidate after interview.
• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Completion of Core Competency Investigator Training (within six months of hire).

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices that actively do not re-traumatize individuals and communities.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and laws of investigations.
• Knowledge of systems and services for people impacted by intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Ability to work with a team to achieve good outcomes.
• Ability to successfully complete duties and assignments that are complex and difficult.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful situations involving people demonstrating anxious, angry, and/or uncooperative behavior.
• Comfort with frequent and significant change.

Schedule

This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location. The onsite work location for this position is Five Oak, 209 SW 4th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97209. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.