Protective Services Officer

The Adult Protective Services (APS) Worker provides protective services to vulnerable adults age 18 and older with disabilities and adults age 60 and older who are at risk of or experiencing abuse, neglect, self‑neglect, or financial exploitation. This position is responsible for receiving and investigating reports, conducting assessments, providing case management, coordinating services, and implementing protective interventions in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 46.90, 51, 54, and 55. The APS Worker balances the duty to protect client safety with respect for individual rights and self‑determination, utilizing the least restrictive interventions possible. The position works extensively with courts, law enforcement, healthcare providers, residential facilities, and community partners, and serves as part of the Aging and Disability Resource Center’s trauma‑informed approach to safeguarding vulnerable adults. The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned. Receive, screen, and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, self‑neglect, and financial exploitation involving adults age 18 and older with disabilities and adults age 60 and older, in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 46.90, 51, 54, and 55. Conduct comprehensive assessments of vulnerable adults’ health, safety, functional capacity, risk factors, and support systems through interviews, collateral contacts, records review, and in‑home visits, including unannounced visits when required. Balance the duty to protect the safety of vulnerable adults with respect for competent adults’ rights to self‑determination, applying least restrictive interventions consistent with individual abilities, preferences, and statutory requirements. Provide ongoing case management services, including development and implementation of individualized case plans, coordination of services, monitoring outcomes, and adjustment of interventions as client needs and/or circumstances change. Maintain a caseload of clients with complex personal, medical, mental health, cognitive, and/or socio‑economic challenges, ensuring timely response to safety concerns and protective service needs. Conduct Chapter55 emergency protective placements as necessary, coordinating with law enforcement, emergency medical services, hospitals, crisis services, examining physicians, family care providers, and Corporation Counsel to ensure appropriate care and placement. Complete comprehensive evaluations for protective placement and annual Watts reviews, including preparation, filing, and tracking of time‑sensitive court documents; explanation of rights and responsibilities; scheduling hearings; coordinating medical evaluations; and notifying interested parties. Provide guardianship services and court‑related functions, including preparation of petitions, reports, affidavits, and testimony; collaboration with Assistant Corporation Counsel and probate court staff; and ongoing communication with guardians and care teams. Maintain consistent communication with law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, hospitals, residential facilities, courts, and other County departments to support investigations, protective interventions, and legal proceedings. Make appropriate referrals to law enforcement or prosecutorial authorities and provide documentation and support for criminal or civil investigations when indicated. Serve as a member of the Sheboygan County Interdisciplinary Team (I‑Team), participating in coordinated responses to complex abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases. Provide information, referrals, and linkage to community resources, programs, and services to address client needs, including healthcare, housing, financial assistance, mental health services, long‑term care, and protective supports. Maintain current knowledge of community resources, state and local programs, and service systems, and educate clients, families, caregivers, and providers regarding available options and requirements. Deliver community outreach and education related to elder abuse and adult‑at‑risk issues, including scams, guardianships and alternatives, reporting processes, and protective services; develop and present educational materials through presentations, written communications, and digital platforms. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, caregivers, service providers, volunteers, community agencies, courts, and the general public. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the electronic health record and required state reporting systems, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and program standards. Participate in mandatory unit, division, and department meetings; quarterly I‑Team meetings; trainings; and quality improvement activities; contribute recommendations for service and system improvements. Provide consultation, guidance, and technical assistance to agency staff, paraprofessionals, and community partners regarding adult protective services, guardianships, and protective placements. Serve as a representative of Sheboygan County Health and Human Services at meetings, trainings, and community events as assigned. Complete required administrative duties, including self‑evaluations and performance review documentation, and perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services, Behavioral Science, or closely related field. Minimum Experience: Relevant experience with the populations to be served is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered. Other Requirements: A Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license. Comprehensive working knowledge of degenerative brain disorders, developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, and other conditions that may impair an individual’s capacity or functioning. Considerable knowledge of financial, health, mental health, aging, disability, and community‑based resources used to support vulnerable adults. Knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws and statutes governing Adult Protective Services, including Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 46.90, 51, 54, and 55. Skill in responding appropriately to crisis situations and providing timely, skilled intervention to ensure client safety while respecting self‑determination. Proficiency in the use of computerized department systems and office technology, including electronic health records, internet‑based applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing software. Demonstrated sensitivity and effectiveness when interacting with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds. Skill in working with involuntary clients and individuals with complex needs, including those who may be resistant to services or involved in protective interventions. Capacity to establish positive, professional relationships with clients, families, caregivers, natural supports, and interdisciplinary professionals. Knowledge of and sensitivity to social issues impacting vulnerable adults, including abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, domestic violence, addiction, disability, discrimination, poverty, aging, and individual and family functioning. Skill in coordinating services and interventions that cross unit, departmental, and agency boundaries, including collaboration with courts, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, community partners, and members of the public. Effective written and verbal communication skills sufficient to document investigations, prepare court reports, explain complex information, and provide testimony when required. Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and privacy laws, including HIPAA, and the capacity to safeguard sensitive client information in all aspects of work. Sound professional judgment when navigating confrontational, emotionally charged, or high‑risk situations. Capacity to follow direction, complete tasks accurately and timely, and work collaboratively under supervision within a multidisciplinary team. Work Environment & Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a combination of office, community‑based, and in‑home settings, and requires regular travel throughout the county to residences, medical facilities, court locations, and community partner sites. Duties require frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and use of hands for keyboarding, writing, handling documents, and operating office and electronic record systems. Frequent contact occurs with colleagues, consumers, families and caregivers, State and County personnel, law enforcement, court personnel, medical professionals, community partners, and members of the public. The position requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds and to tolerate frequent changes in posture throughout the workday. Work may involve interaction with individuals experiencing crisis, emotional distress, behavioral instability, or impairment, and may occasionally involve aggressive or violent behavior. Job duties include entering private residences and community environments that may present unpredictable or hazardous conditions, including contentious individuals, animals, cluttered or unsafe living conditions, and unsanitary environments. Potential exposure may include, but is not limited to, human or animal waste, blood or bodily fluids, mold, dust, strong odors, and rotting materials. Risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is considered moderate; adherence to safety protocols and use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required. Vision, hearing, and speech abilities sufficient to communicate effectively, assess environments, review documentation, and participate in meetings, interviews, and court proceedings are required. Must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to drive or arrange transportation as necessary to perform assigned duties. Risk of blood‑borne pathogen exposure is considered moderate. #J-18808-Ljbffr