ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATOR

CareerArc; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a prominent state agency committed to improving the lives of vulnerable adults in Arizona. As an APS Field Investigator, you'll play a crucial role in protecting those who cannot defend themselves, conducting thorough investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect. This position requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in the field. If you're passionate about making a difference in your community and have a background in social work or related fields, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vital mission. Embrace the chance to support individuals and families in need while enjoying a rewarding career with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Affordable medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability insurance

Participation in retirement system

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Paid parental leave

Sick time

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adult abuse indicators and social work principles.
• Ability to write clear reports and assess cases quickly.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• Document findings and provide referrals for services.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Time management

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Master's Degree in Social Work

Degree in Criminal Justice

Degree in Rehabilitation

Degree in Healthcare

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Google Suite

Job description

Company: Arizona Department of Economic Security

Title: ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATOR

Description: DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY - Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATOR

Job Location: Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Adult Protective Services (APS) 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

• Salary: $21.5021 - $22.5962 Hourly
• Grade: 18
• Closing Date: 3/21/2025

Job Summary: Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team! Do you have a desire to support the vulnerable? Adult Protective Services (APS) seeks individuals to join our team as an APS Field Investigator. As an investigator, you will investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults (those unable to defend themselves), 18 years of age or older. This is an ideal position for someone who is highly motivated, has problem solving and decision-making skills, enjoys working independently in the field, and can provide comfort and resources to those who need help. You will interact with adults and family members in their home or care facilities and coordinate with external partners that range from caregivers, medical personnel, police, public fiduciaries, the public, and others in the course of your investigations. If you are passionate about protecting the most vulnerable adults in Arizona, we want you on our team! Please review the video to learn more about the APS Investigator's role and responsibilities - video link.

Job Duties:

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Investigates, assesses, evaluates, documents, and provides referral of appropriate services for the most complex case investigations involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected and/or exploited.
• Determines if there is a need for protective and/or social services.
• Makes time-sensitive contacts with clients and interviews anyone who may have information regarding the situation.
• Writes various assessments and summaries regarding the case.
• Analyzes a variety of complex documents.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Physical and behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental disabilities or seriously mentally ill and frail elderly
• Case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., elder rights, psychological abuse, adult maltreatment, etc.)
• Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms

Skills in:

• Oral and written communication
• Time management and organization
• Critical thinking
• Using computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, etc.)

Ability to:

• Understand and apply Federal and state statutes, APS regulations, policies and procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment.
• Write clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Quickly assess, prioritize, and process report cases when received.
• Handle clients and callers in a professional, calm manner eliciting information quickly and efficiently.

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field OR
• One (1) year of experience providing professional Case Management / Investigations Services (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation)

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• In-state travel is required. Driver's License Requirements: Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• A.R.S. 41-1968 Each employee of the department who has contact with children or vulnerable adults shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. 41-1758.07.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Flexibility in willingness to work longer shift hours or after-hours coverage, if necessary.

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement:

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Brenda Cruz at 480-493-9033 or [e-mail]. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Brenda Cruz at 480-493-9033 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.