Adult Protective Services Specialist

Adult Protective Services Specialist / REQ-157287

Salary Range: $4536 - $6952

Brookings

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the  as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources?  Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of the elderly, people with disabilities and communities?  Then, we want to hear from you

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference 

• When you join the , you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.  

• Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.   

• We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and including health, dental, vision and much more

• About the program - c to learn more about Aging and People with Disabilities.

THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQ's):

• A bachelor's degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences AND two (2) years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience.

OR

• An associate degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences AND four (4) years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience.

Three years professional level experience related to the position may substitute for the bachelor's degree; 18 months for an Associates.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES (EA's):

Required: Include within your application materials your specific work history that matches the required essential attributes below.

• Experience communicating with individuals who have hostile of difficult personalities. 

• Experience interpreting and communicating decisions, laws, rules, policies and procedures. 

• Technical knowledge and experience of investigative practices, which include, experience interviewing reported victims of abuse. 

• Experience testifying in court and/or administrative hearings.

YOUR DUTIES AT A GLANCE:

In this position, you will determine the need for intervention and the level of support needed in the protection of vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities. This position screens referrals, assesses the need for further investigation, and investigates alleged incidents of adult abuse or neglect when needed. Whether investigation is required or not, employees in this position develop and execute a plan designed to reduce the risk of abuse. They interview complainants, witnesses, reported victims and perpetrators, and review documentation to collect evidence. They determine the validity of the allegations; coordinate legal actions to protect victims; write case reports and may testify in court hearings.

Major duties may include:

Investigation

• Investigates complaints of abuse or neglect

• Plans the scope and direction of the investigation.

• Interviews the alleged victims, alleged perpetrators and witnesses.

• Reviews documents and records such as medical or financial records.

• Constructs and organize evidence.

• Collects and analyzes physical and documentary evidence.

• Applies administrative statutes, administrative rules and facility regulations regarding abuse to investigative situations and determine a finding.

• Evaluates evidence and address issues that arise during the course of the investigation.
• Determines relevance, reliability and credibility of gathered information and evidence.
• Decides when appropriate to refer to law enforcement personnel.
• Writes investigative reports that include summary of evidence and witness statements, conclusions and recommended action in accordance with DHS rules and policies.
• Inputs information into various databases and electronic systems.
• Provides investigative information on criminal cases when needed.
• Testifies in court, before grand juries, trials and hearings; gives sworn depositions

Protective Services Case Management

• After screening and triage, conducts a preliminary assessment of the alleged victim’s safety, possible risks to the investigator or other factors; determines need for emergency intervention.
• Coordinates actions with law enforcement, District Attorneys or other community partners to arrange for victim’s safety and security.
• Gives consultative or expert opinions to prosecutors and judges on adult abuse or neglect.
• Determines need for and assist victims with obtaining restraining order to protect victims. Initiate and facilitate secure protective actions such as guardianships or conservatorships.
• Evaluates the victim’s support systems, capacity to remain safe or make their own decision, take care of their own needs, or ability to protect her or his own interests.
• Develops and manage intervention plans that arrange for needed services, alternative living arrangements such as assisted living facilities, or personal care.
• Monitors progress and wellbeing of individual under intervention plan supervision; refer cases to other agency case managers or community partners for on-going support and supervision.
• Visits individuals to monitor living and safety conditions. Intervene in situations where adults are at high-risk of abuse or neglect within their living situations; develops intervention plans to address the individual’s needs; arranges for services to stabilize the individual’s situation; monitors and adjust intervention plans; refers to community organizations for follow-up or other case managers for on-going case supervision.
• Requires valid drivers’ license or other acceptable means of transportation.
• May maintain intervention plans for individuals not otherwise being case managed who are still at risk after crisis phase.
• Continues to monitor, reassess and arrange intervention until level of harm is reduced or in accordance with policy timeline.
• Assures that service delivery is provided in a culturally competent way.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be subjected to verbal abuse and assaultive threats made by angry and hostile individuals. Occasional subpoenas and court requirements on short notice. This is a flexible work schedule position with a normal workday of 8 hours. Must be able to drive to and meet individuals in their own homes, other community settings, nursing homes, hospitals or other care settings. Requires some out of town or overnight travel for training and cases. In rural areas this may be a daily requirement. May involve driving in inclement conditions. Potential exposure to illness and disease through direct contact with clients. May be exposed to unsanitary conditions. Work closely with individuals who may have difficulty receiving, processing or verbalizing information necessary to make informed choices or decisions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS and REQUIREMENTS

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications (MQ’s) and essential attributes (EA’s) within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. 

• Please upload a resume or complete the Workday history profile. Your work history profile and/or resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

• If you are not a current State of Oregon employee: view this .

• After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

• Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check.  Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services 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. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record may be required if driving is a duty of this position.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• This position is represented by the Union (SEIU).

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

• Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our page.

• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact .

​We thank you for considering this employment opportunity with the Oregon Department of Human Services.