Adult Protective Service Specialist

Oregon Department of Human Services

Medford (OR)

Hybrid

USD 54,000 - 79,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking an Adult Protective Service Specialist to safeguard vulnerable adults, assess needs, and address abuse and neglect. You will conduct intakes, investigations, risk management, and provide protections and interventions in collaboration with community partners.

Role involves interviewing victims and witnesses, reviewing records, and coordinating safety plans. Hybrid work option after the trial period; requires travel and driving to client sites.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences or an equivalent combination.
Two years of human service, law enforcement or investigative experience (or four years with an Associate).
Three years professional level experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree; 18 months for an Associate.

Responsibilities

Provide protective services to older adults and adults with physical disabilities.
Conduct screenings and triage for safety and emergency needs.
Coordinate actions with law enforcement and other partners for safety.
Investigate abuse, neglect, or self-neglect; plan scope and direction of investigations.
Interview victims, alleged perpetrators and witnesses; review records.
Evaluate evidence, conduct home visits, and assess living conditions.
Develop intervention plans and monitor risk; testify in court when needed.

Skills

Collaborative relationships

Decision making

Interviewing

Documentation & reporting

Trauma-informed practice

Communication (phone & in-person)

Technology & data systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in human/social/behavioral/criminal sciences

Associate's degree in human/social/behavioral/criminal sciences

Substitution: 3 years professional experience for Bachelor's; 18 months for Associate

Job description

Position

Position Type: Employee
Title: Adult Protective Service Specialist
Salary Range: $4,865 - $7,117

Company

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.

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

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.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

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

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND REQUIREMENTS

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.

BENEFITS