Adult Protective Services Case Worker

Overview:
Works in the Older Adult Care Department of Mercyhealth at Home for the Adult Protective Services (APS) program. The APS Caseworker adheres to the program rules, guidelines and policies set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). The APS Caseworker conducts investigations of Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment, Financial Exploitation and/or Self-Neglect for adults 60yrs or older and adults 18y/o - 59y/o with a disability who reside in a domestic setting or a facility per PA100-0641. The APS Caseworker develops a written plan of care to mitigate the risk of abuse, implements needed services as appropriate and provides follow up services on an individual basis. The APS Caseworker has ongoing communication with the APS Supervisor and or the APS Lead Caseworker during the entire time a case is open.

Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Conducts investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and/or self-neglect within the specified time frame as set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging's (IDOA) Organization Standards and Responsibilities. Interviews alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, providers and other collaterals as required.

Provides Case Work activities for clients and families: assesses client needs, develops a case plan and links clients to resources. Monitors the resources/interventions put in place to ensure needs are being met.

Provides follow-up activities on a monthly basis which includes coordinating care/services for the client, evaluating if current services are sufficient and assessing the risk for future abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation or self-neglect issues.

Completes the paperwork required by the IDoA Adult Protective Services program accurately and in a timely manner. 

Negotiates difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills and involves the APS Supervisor or Lead Caseworker when appropriate.

Utilizes the court system for judicial procedures such as Orders of Protection, Evictions, Guardianships or the like.  Prepares the case and oneself to testify in court as necessary.

Coordinates with Waiver services such as Aging, DHS/DRS, DHS/DDD, MCO and the like per IDoA policies.

Participates in monthly M-Team meetings by presenting a case when scheduled to do so, offering constructive input to the group and incorporating recommendations in the Client’s case plan when appropriate. In addition, the APS Caseworker will take minutes when assigned and turn these in to the APS Supervisor or other designated staff within two weeks after the meeting.

Participates in Staff meetings: monthly APS meetings, monthly Older Adult Services all-dept meetings, as well as all-agency meetings, offering constructive input when appropriate.    

Participates in IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities.

Completes annual required educational requirements for both IDoA/APS and Mercyhealth.

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the  Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE  

Bachelor’s Degree in Health or Human Services, Social Work, Health Care Administration, Gerontology or Criminal Justice; R.N. or Graduate Degree.

Minimum two years of experience with assessment of needs for older adults (60+years), or, for those 18-59 who have a disability, preferred.

 The ability to negotiate difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills, a plus.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE                    

Must attend Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Adult Protective Services Caseworker Certification Trainings Phase I, Simulation Training and Phase II and pass the test, as well as any other mandatory training as required by IDoA.      

                                    

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Current CPR certification; or obtain through Mercyhealth within 6 months of hire.

Requires a valid driver's license (for a minimum of 12 months), a satisfactory driving record (as deemed by Mercyhealth), and proof of automobile insurance equal or greater to that required by the state of Illinois.

Experience

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be able to speak and write the English language proficiently

Must be able to follow written/oral instructions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Occupational Exposure: Category C - No partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure.

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

Adult (18 years – 59 years who have a disability)

Geriatric (60 years and older)

INFORMATION ACCESS

Partner may access CMP (IDoA web-based program) or CMIS (IDoA Program) or the like though IDOA.

WORK CONTACT GROUP    

Partners, physicians, clients/family, outside agencies including, but not limited to, medical, legal, mental health, banking, law enforcement, judicial or the like.                                         

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Must be able to navigate steps

Must be able to walk through snow to get to a client’s front/back door

Must be able to stand (if needed) for a minimum of 15 minutes while in a client’s home

                                    

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

SUPERVISES

n/a

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