ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATOR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FOCUS

AZ State Jobs; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

ASRS retirement

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Parental leave

Transit subsidy

Flexible schedules

Job summary

The Department of Economic Security (DES) seeks an Adult Protective Services Field Investigator – Development Disabilities Focus in Chandler, AZ. Investigations cover abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults 18+ with developmental disabilities, requiring independent field work and collaboration with external partners.

The ideal candidate has a strong problem-solving orientation, relevant KSAs, and the ability to interact with diverse families in home or care settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or closely related field.
• One year of experience providing professional Case Management / Investigations (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation).
• In-state travel required; background/reference checks; E-Verify; flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Investigates, assesses, evaluates, documents, and provides referral for complex cases involving adults with developmental disabilities who are abused, neglected, or exploited.
• Determines need for protective/social services for individuals in ADHs, group homes, and facilities.
• Makes time-sensitive contacts and interviews; writes assessments and summaries.
• Analyzes ISP and behavioral treatment plans and other complex documents.
• Coordinate with caregivers, medical personnel, police, fiduciaries, and others during investigations.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Time management

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

Google Suite

Job 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

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FOCUS

Job Location:

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS)
125 East Elliot Road, Chandler
11518 East Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85220

Posting Details:

Salary: $21.5021 - $22.5962 Hourly

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 10/2/2026

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.
Do you have a desire to support the vulnerable and have passion for the developmentally disabled community? Adult Protective Services (APS) seeks individuals to join our team as an Adult Protective Services Field Investigator – Development Disabilities Focused to support investigations involving those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 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- https://youtu.be/GvhJuHQ1SCU

Job Duties:

• Investigates, assesses, evaluates, documents, and provides referral of appropriate services for the most complex case investigations involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 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 for individuals residing in adult developmental homes (ADH), group homes, intermediate care facilities (ICF), Arizona Training Program Coolidge (ATPC) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF).
• 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 including individual service plans (ISP) and behavioral treatment plans (BTP).

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

Skill 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):

• 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.
• 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:

• 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 Vega 520-279-4525 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 Vega at 520-279-4525 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.