Adult Abuse Investigator - Developmental Disabilities - Health and Human Services

Salary: $30.98 - $41.51 Hourly
Location : Salem, OR
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: 066-2026-1
Department: Health and Human Services
Division: HHS - HS - Developmental Disabilities
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 06


Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.


Marion County Health and Human Services is seeking an Adult Abuse Investigator to screen and investigates complaints of abuse against adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDD), mental illness and substance use disorders. The ideal candidate will have both relevant educational and professional experience that demonstrates understanding of adults who experience IDD, severe and persistent mental illness, or another vulnerable population; the screening and abuse investigative process; person centered thinking principles; how to navigate Oregon statutes and administrative rules; and report writing. The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication, time management, and critical thinking skills with a team minded and collaborative outlook. Candidate must also be able to travel throughout the County to conduct screenings and investigations.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Adult Abuse Investigator classification is a specialized classification primarily oriented to conducting investigations and comprehensive assessments to provide protective services for adult individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental illness, and follow-up on complaints and allegations of client abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Perform complex field investigations and research and ensure legal compliance per Oregon Administrative Rules. Conduct investigations of abuse/neglect complaints and protective service referrals. Independently prepare comprehensive written reports and research, conduct in-depth/sensitive interviews, and make formal recommendations regarding the care of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and individuals with mental illness, who may be victim of abuse or neglect based on independently conducted field investigations.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works independently under the general supervision of designated management staff who assigns work, establishes goals, and reviews the results obtained for overall effectiveness through the analysis of reports and conferences.


SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision of other employees is not a primary responsibility of positions in this classification, may assist in the supervision of practicum students or volunteers.
Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following

• Screen, respond to and investigate reports of alleged adult client abuse within OAR required timelines, including assessing and assuring protective services for eligible adults (I/DD, MH, SUDS).
• Complete investigation and written report within OAR required timelines.
• Conduct adult abuse investigations on-site at residential, employment, or family home, or in the community.
• Interview all relevant persons and write reports using Centralized Abuse Management System (CAMS).
• Maintain strict confidentiality. Maintain compliance with documentation and record keeping standards.
• Submit report to supervisor for review.
• Send reports to state OTIS office for final approval. Refer investigation recommendations for correction to the CAPS licensing specialist as appropriate.
• Coordinate with providers, licensing specialist and/or case managers as appropriate, to assure protective services and investigation recommendations have been completed within designated timelines.
• Work with local law enforcement agency to complete appropriate investigations. Participate in Contested Case Hearings with OTIS as needed.
• Provide consultation/technical assistance to service providers and case managers regarding issues of abuse.
• Provide consultation to service providers, including health and human service department staff and case managers regarding issues of advocacy and client rights.
• Assist the CDDP and CMHP manager in monitoring the quality of services delivered within the county; and assist the CDDP and CMHP manager in the identification needed system and service delivery improvements to assure health and safety of clients and prevent abuse.
• Participate in regularly scheduled meetings and trainings relevant to position and to maintain investigator qualifications, including but not limited to: Adult Abuse Investigation Team meetings, MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) meetings, monthly Quality Council meetings, OTIS quarterlies, monthly OTIS call ins, and critical review meetings.
• Interface with the OTIS required data management systems for screenings, abuse report writing, and incident reporting. Utilize MCHHS, CCO, and ODDS electronic health record systems including Raintree, Laserfiche Intouch, eXPRS as needed for screenings and report development.
• Maintain internal database and monitoring systems for abuse screening and investigation reports as they occur.
• Provide or respond to reports from ODDS, MCHHS, or other entities as requested.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
• Response Level 2: In the event of an emergency, employee makes a reasonable effort to report to work. Employee may be required to perform duties outside of their regularly assigned duties. Employee may be requested to work an extended or flexible schedule. Staff at this response level must complete Incident Command System 100 and 700 on-line or in-person training.

Requirements for the Position
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

1. Master's degree in psychology, social work, education. criminal justice or a related field and one-year paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness; OR
2. Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, education, criminal justice or a related field and three years paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness; OR
3. Seven years of equivalent training and paraprofessional work experience as described above; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of OTIS Core Competencies Training within six months of hire.
• Successful completion of Developmental Disability and Mental Health OTIS Core Competencies Training within six months of hire.
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; including fingerprinting however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at:
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at:
• If required to use personal vehicle for business use, must possess and maintain proof of personal automobile liability insurance at a minimum in the amount required by Oregon Law (ORS Chapter 806).
• This position may be subject to the following: Must not be excluded from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid, Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549).
• This is a full-time regular position, which is eligible for overtime.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• Typical Work Hours: Varies, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department and program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of OAR relating to Abuse and Protective Service Investigations; laws and regulations regarding involuntary commitment, protective services and guardianship/conservatorship; principles and practices of investigation and research, including ethical interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods and techniques of negotiation; principles and techniques of interviewing; case management techniques and practices; knowledge of local social service agencies and community resources.

Ability to write accurate, complete and appropriate reports using proper grammar, punctuation and spelling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Drives a motor vehicle and maintains an acceptable driving history; sees using depth perception; stands; sits; moves about the work area; climbs 1 floor of stairs; reaches overhead; lifts up to 15 lbs.; pushes and pulls up to 10 lbs.; moves carts weighing up to 10 lbs.; carries items weighing up to 5 lbs. for up to 100 yards; operates a keyboard; speaks with a clear and audible voice; reads a 12 pt. font; hears a whispered level of speech; works in areas that may be exposed to dust, smoke, vibration, noise, wet areas, and chemicals; is required to occasionally travel outside of the office into client homes, residential programs, employment settings, and community at large to conduct screenings, interviews, review evidence, and conduct investigative tasks.


PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP
Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS' PREFERENCE

• One of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
  • Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at


Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through Human Resources, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying. Please e-mail if you wish to request an accommodation.
Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.


Most regular positions in this classification are represented by Marion County Employees Association (MCEA). For a summary of benefits, For a complete and detailed overview of the MCEA benefits package, , and select MCEA Benefits from the left menu or Marion County Employees Association (MCEA) from the page links. Regular and temporary employees are represented by MCEA.

Salary and benefits are subject to union contract negotiations and may change as a result.
01


To receive credit for your supplemental questions, your answers must be supported by details in the education and/or work experience section of your application form. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes
• No

02


Select the option that best describes your experience as it relates to the position. NOTE: Your answer must be supported by details in the education and/or work experience section of the application form.

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education. Criminal Justice; and one (1) year of full-time, paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness
• Master's degree in a related field and one (1) year of full-time, paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness (specify related degree below)
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or Criminal Justice and three (3) years of full-time paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness
• Bachelor's degree in a related field and three (3) years of full-time paraprofessional work experience consisting of serving individuals with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability or mental illness (specify related degree below)
• Seven (7) years of equivalent training and paraprofessional work experience directly related to the position (specify below)
• Combination of 7 years of full-time education and work experience (specify below)
• None of the above

03


Please specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous question. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in the answer must be supported by the work experience section of your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.
04


Select the option(s) that describe your experience with Abuse Investigations. Please, select only one option within each category.

• More than five years of experience performing adult abuse investigations in a mental health setting
• Between 2 and 5 years of experience performing adult abuse investigations in a mental health setting
• Between 1 and 2 years of experience performing adult abuse investigations in a mental health setting
• More than 5 years of experience performing adult abuse investigations in a developmental disabilities setting
• Between 3 and 5 years of experience performing adult abuse investigations in a developmental disabilities setting
• Between 1 and 2 years of experience performing adult abuse investigations in a developmental disabilities setting
• None of the above

05


Select the item(s) with which you have at least six months of full-time work experience.

• Investigating alleged abuse for Mental Health clients.
• Investigating alleged abuse for Developmentally Disabled clients
• Completing written reports for alleged client abuse
• Interviewing relevant persons involved in alleged client abuse cases
• Following up with appropriate parties to ensure recommendations have been completed
• Working with law enforcement agencies to complete investigations
• Monitoring the quality of services delivered to Mental Health clients
• Monitoring the quality of services delivered to Developmentally Disabled clients
• Providing consultation/technical assistance to service providers and case managers regarding issues of abuse
• Providing consultation to service providers, including health department staff and case managers regarding issues of advocacy and client rights
• None of the above

06


Have you completed Developmental Disability or Mental Health Investigator Core Competency Training through the Office of Training, Investigation and Safety (OTIS) within the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

07


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please specify the date you completed training and identify if it was for Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health. If you answered "No," please write N/A
Required Question