Hotline: 678-408-1354

Adult Protective Services Investigator

Job detailsSalary$42,640 a yearFull Job Description

Who We Are:

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) seeks to improve and protect the health, well-being and self-reliance of all Montanans.

Senior and Long Term Care Division’s mission is to advocate and promote dignity and independence for older Montanans and Montanans with disabilities by providing information, education, and assistance; planning, developing and providing for quality long-term care services; and operating within a cost–effective service delivery system.

The Adult Protective Services Bureau helps to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation by matching the needs of the person with community partners in their area such as mental health, public health, law enforcement, the courts, the aging network, community groups and the public. If you are interested in being part of a helping organization, this position may be of interest to you.

Job Overview: The Adult Protective Services Investigator investigates adult abuse, neglect and exploitation referrals, to develop service plans for adults at risk. Responsibilities of this position include conducting investigations, interventions, and placement of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults; providing recommendations and support to the vulnerable adult their families or others who may be involved in the vulnerable adult’s life; and preparing case records to accurately report and allow the Department to take the necessary steps to implement intervention plans.

Major Duties or Responsibilities:

Investigate, Assess and Document Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

  • Conducts investigations, intervention, and placement of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Conducts interviews to evaluate and make decisions of abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred and determine next steps.
  • Assesses risk factors to determine whether the vulnerable adult has the capacity to make informed decisions if they stay with the alleged abuser or if the vulnerable adult would benefit from community service to reduce the risk if immediate removal is determined unnecessary.
  • Accurately gathers information/facts into a report for the courts from the investigation.
  • Represents the Department as the Agent for guardianship for the incapacitated adult when there is no available or suitable family member, friend or agency. Assumes responsibility/authority for developing a service for the care, medical, placement, and financial decisions for the adult as deemed necessary.
  • Facilitates placement of incapacitated adults in the least restrictive environment in keeping with the needs and wishes of the vulnerable adult.
  • Assists other agencies with obtaining accurate information to advocate for services for the vulnerable adult and possible criminal prosecution of abusers for the protection of the vulnerable adult.
  • Tracks financial transactions during exploitation investigations.
  • Develop and Implement Service Plan

  • Evaluates the vulnerable adult’s/abuser’s level of risk and needs. Matches the vulnerable adult needs with available community services.
  • Provides recommendations and support to the vulnerable adult, their families or others who may be involved in the vulnerable adult’s life.
  • Refers vulnerable adult to community supportive services by coordinating activities and involving families and other helping agencies. Develops, creates and advocates for the development of services within the vulnerable adult’s community.
  • Coordinates the provision of services for the vulnerable adult through the use of service team meetings such as Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), and Adult Protection Team (APT).
  • Provides emergency intervention support for adult protection services. This work is in conjunction with both the courts and law enforcement agencies to remove adults from environments when imminent danger is determined to be present, and if the Adult Protective Services Investigator has reasonable grounds to believe that the vulnerable adult is incapacitated and when to provide potential protective placement options.
  • May invoke a 2 judicial day protective hold on the vulnerable adult without court approval in consultation with the Adult Protective Services supervisor and move the adult to a protective setting or implement protective in-home services.
  • Retains and monitors service plans for the vulnerable adult. Decides when to terminate intervention by Adult Protective Services.
  • Service Plan Support

  • Documents development of service plans by identifying services provided, service providers, time frames and other appropriate data.
  • Completes required documentation on the Adult Protective Services Data System; completes all intake data, investigative interviews, collection of evidence and develops investigative summaries
  • Gathers information such as personal demographics on the vulnerable adult, family history, medical and financial information about the vulnerable adult, abuser and/or the family in preparing a written case history and a report to the Court for each vulnerable adult in need of a guardianship or other intervention such as advocacy for assisted living or group home placement. Initiates, plans, coordinates, and delivers community presentations and trainings to educate interested parties how to report and prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
  • Physical and Environmental Demands

    Position will be responsible for providing adult protective services in crisis situations with volatile and oftentimes hostile individuals or environments. This is a telework position with a focus on specific counties assigned. Employee will be required to travel throughout their assigned regions and counties during work time, on a routine basis in changing weather conditions, including occasional overnight stays for investigations and training (20%).

    Qualifications
    :


    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    Required for the first day of work:

  • Knowledge of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation.
  • Knowledge of the family systems, principles, and practices of social work and social services delivery.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Skill in dealing with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to conduct in-depth investigations, research findings and document results.
  • Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, maintaining them over time.
  • Ability to maintain a calm and objective demeanor during periods of stress and pressure, defusing possible volatile situations.
  • Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, internet and other computer programs.
  • Required Minimum Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (preferred), Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, Counseling, or a closely related field.
  • Two years of job related work experience in social work, human services, working with elderly, disabled adults, or intellectually disabled adults.
  • Protective services experience preferred.
  • Other combinations of directly related experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Will need to complete National Adult Protective Services Core Competency Certificate Program within 2 years of hire date.
  • Women (and/or) minorities may be under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

    This position is posted until filled, with a first review of applications one week from date of posting.


    Applicant Pool Statement
    : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

    Training Assignment
    : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.


    Job
    : Community/Social Services

    Salary: $
    42,640.00 – 42,640.00 Yearly

    Benefits Package Eligibility
    : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan


    Number of Openings
    : 1

    Employee Status
    : Regular

    Schedule
    : Full-Time

    Shift
    : Day Job

    Travel
    : Yes, 20 % of the Time


    Primary Location
    : Missoula


    Agency
    : Department of Public Health & Human Services

    Union
    : Montana Federation of Public Employees

    Bargaining Unit
    : 061 – MFPE-DPHHS-Central Off


    Posting Date
    : Nov 18, 2020, 5:52:47 PM

    Closing Date (based on your computer’s timezone)
    : Ongoing

    Required Application Materials
    : None


    Contact Name
    : DPHHS Human Resources | Contact Email: hhshumanresources@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-3136

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