Adult Protective Service Specialist

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

In a role dedicated to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society, you will play a crucial part in assessing and addressing the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring their protection against abuse and neglect.

In this position you will have the responsibility to provide protective services to older adults and to adults with physical disabilities whose situation is within Aging and People with Disabilities’ jurisdiction to investigate.  This person is responsible for conducting intakes of abuse as indicated by Oregon Administrative Rule, 411-020; completing investigations and risk management; providing prevention, protection, and intervention for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who are unable to protect themselves from abuse and self-neglect.

• Conduct screening interviews by phone or in-person with victims and community members reporting abuse or self-neglect of an older adult or adult with physical disabilities. During screening and triage, conduct a preliminary assessment of the alleged victim’s safety, possible risks to the investigator or other factors; determine need for emergency intervention. Coordinate actions with law enforcement, District Attorneys, or other community partners to arrange for victim’s safety and security.

• Investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect. Plan the scope and direction of the investigation. Conduct in person and phone interviews with the alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and witnesses. Review documents and records such as medical or financial records. Evaluate and organize evidence. Collect and analyze physical and documentary evidence. Address issues that arise during the investigation through problem solving, protective services or referrals. Determine relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information and evidence.

• Conduct home visits in both community and facility settings to assess and monitor living and safety conditions. Intervene in situations where adults are at high risk of abuse or neglect within their living situations.

• Decide when appropriate to refer to law enforcement personnel.

• Evaluate the victim’s support systems, capacity to remain healthy and safe and ability to protect his or her own interests. Develop and manage intervention plans that arrange for needed services, alternative living arrangements in the community-based care systems, or personal care. Monitor the risk of individuals who are alleged victims of abuse, neglect or self-neglect.

• Provide investigative information on criminal cases when needed. Testify in court before grand jury, trials and hearings. Give sworn depositions.

A Bachelor's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and two years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience;

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• 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.

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff and members of the public.

• Experience demonstrating the ability to assess situations, analyze information, and make informed decisions to protect the population we serve.

• Experience conducting interviews as part of an investigation.

• Experience documenting investigative activities, managing case information, and writing reports.  

• Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.

• Experienced in effective communication with individuals via telephone and face-to-face interactions.

• Proficient in navigating technology, inputting, and retrieving data, and using various computer systems or databases.

• Regular attendance is an essential function required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.

• Standard office environment. In office, cubicle setting with frequent computer and phone use. Hybrid work is an option after completing trial service.

• Must be able to drive to and meet individuals in their own homes, other community settings, nursing homes, hospitals, or other care settings.

• Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures.

• Travel is required to meet business needs and to attend employee training classes.

• May drive a variety of different types of vehicles to remote places in a variety of terrain and possibly inclement weather.

• Will encounter animals, some which of may be dangerous.  

• May be exposed to communicable diseases, such as the flu virus, Covid-19, and MRSA.

• You will interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. 

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.  

Veterans’ preference:

• Veterans’ preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

We invite you to contact ADA.DHS@dhsoha.state.or.us for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Amy Acree. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition (REQ) number listed at the top of this job post.

• Email: amy.acree@odhs.oregon.gov