Senior and Disabilities Services - Adult Protective Services Specialist

Job Title

This position is FLSA non-exempt and eligible for overtime. This position is union-represented. Investigate and provide intervention and reporting of abuse against people with disabilities and older adults as required under state and federal mandates.

Performs position duties in a manner that promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully. Engages in effective team participation through a willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work-related associations. Develops good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrates positive acceptance of constructive feedback and suggestions in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful, and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services. This position is a mandatory reporter according to statutory requirements.

Essential Job Duties

• 65% Screening and Investigating Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
• 15% Assessing Risk and Need for Intervention
• 10% Gathering Information, Documentation and Evidence
• 5% Community Education and Training
• 5% Other Job Duties

Working Environment

Work involves frequent travel to make home or facility visits and potential exposure to diseases, unsanitary conditions, and traffic hazards. Environmental conditions may include exposure to bodily waste, illegal drug/use manufacture, communicable diseases, and presence of weapons and or vicious animals.

Work involves potential risk to worker safety due to hostile, possibly violent persons.

Work may involve travel and/or investigative work after hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience & Training

Bachelor's degree with emphasis in human, social, behavioral, or criminal sciences.

Course work in social services, geriatrics, and health care or experience providing a knowledge of medical terminology affecting protected populations and/or investigative processes; OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the elderly and/or people with disabilities and familiarity with the problems and issues confronting vulnerable populations in the local community.

Knowledge of community resources.

Knowledge of confidentiality rules regarding client and provider records and investigations, including HIPAA regulations.

Knowledge of legal requirements regarding guardianships, conservatorships, power of attorney, advance directives, restraining orders, commitment hearings, and related matters.

Knowledge of the principals, methods, and practices of investigation such as planning inquiries, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence.

Knowledge of, and ability to, operate a personal computer.

Knowledge of, and experience in, Microsoft software.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to write thorough, complex, and accurate investigative reports.

Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve conflicts effectively.

Skills and ability to respond and work effectively with angry and hostile clients, client representatives and service providers.

Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys and law enforcement in verbal and written formats and provide occasional testimony during legal proceedings.

Ability to work with: (1) individuals who abuse alcohol and/or drugs, (2) individuals who are noncompliant with medical treatment, and (3) individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementing illnesses.

Ability to assess individuals in their own home to determine appropriate service and/or community referral.

Ability to work effectively with representatives of other social agencies, and members of the public.

Ability to work effectively with clients and to use good judgment in handling individual case problems.

Ability to interact and work with a culturally diverse population.

Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Ability to exercise good time management skills in order to accomplish both daily tasks and on-going projects.

Ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date records and to prepare accurate reports.

Ability to work independently, organize and structure work, handle multiple projects and a high volume of work.

Ability to initiate own work with minimum supervision.

Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, consumers, other agencies, and the general public.

Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.

Skills in performing psychosocial assessments.

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements

Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver's License or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the three-county area.

The position requires the successful completion of a criminal history and driving record check.

General Benefits

General Retirement System (Pension) enrollment

457(b) Deferred Comp Plans available

Excellent medical insurance with low deductibles and copays

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Behavioral health plan

Employee Assistance Program

Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Voluntary Term Life & AD&D, Whole Life Insurance, and Short-term Disability options

Paid vacation and sick leave

Generous holiday schedule

Employer

Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments

Address

1400 Queen Avenue Southeast Albany, Oregon, 97322