Advocate 2 (APS Investigator)-00025053

Georgia Department of Human Services; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic state agency dedicated to serving Georgia's vulnerable populations. As an Advocate 2 (APS Investigator), you will play a crucial role in conducting investigations, providing support services, and ensuring the safety of clients facing abuse or neglect. This position offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families while working within a supportive team environment. With a generous benefits package, including flexible work schedules and telework options, this role is perfect for those passionate about public service and community well-being. Take the next step in your career and help strengthen families across Georgia.

Benefits

Flexible Work Schedule

Employee Retirement Plan

401(k) Plan

457 Plan

13 Paid Holidays

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Discount Programs

Qualifications

• Associate degree plus 3 years of related experience or 1 year at Advocate 1 level.
• Experience with family violence or services to the elderly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial investigations of protective service reports.
• Evaluate client risk and ensure safety through appropriate actions.
• Provide follow-up consultations and stabilize situations.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Case Management

Investigation Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Associate Degree in a Related Field

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Tools

Documentation Software

Job description

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.

What we offer. Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.

Start your career in public service. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Human Resources (OHR), Division of Aging Services (DAS)- Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking candidates for the position of Advocate 2 (APS Investigator). This position is located in Lyons, Toombs County, Georgia and will primarily cover the following counties: Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilcox.

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!

Pay Grade: H

Under general supervision, provides personal support services and crisis intervention to clients. May serve as case managers and evaluate, investigate and resolve complaints. Acts as a liaison between client and service providers.

Role and Responsibilities:

1. Performs initial investigations of protective service reports for cases meeting Adult Protective Services (APS) criteria and determines appropriateness of intervention within a standard of promptness.
2. Evaluates the level of risk to clients and takes appropriate action to ensure safety.
3. Provides follow-up, consultations and other applicable resources to stabilize situation to prevent further recurrence of Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation.
4. Initiates the legal process for guardianship as a last resort for the protection of incapacitated adults.
5. Maintains required documentation and completes reports within standards of promptness.
6. Maintains knowledge of current policies, laws, trends and developments in the field by attending training sessions and meetings.
7. Performs other professional responsibilities as assigned.

Core Competencies:

1. Provides services and information to and honors all of the State’s commitments to internal and external customers by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service.
2. Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals and works as a team player within and across departments to achieve shared goals.
3. Treats others with dignity and respect, maintains a friendly demeanor and values the contributions of others.
4. Delivers consistently required business results and meets achievable yet aggressive goals.
5. Complies with quality standards and meets deadlines.
6. Maintains focus on agency and State goals.
7. Displays honesty, accountability, and a strong commitment to his or her public duty and presents oneself as a credible representative of the agency and State to maintain the public trust.
8. Demonstrates ability to make sound judgments and develops effective, viable solutions to drive the effectiveness of the Department and State.
9. Has excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associate degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND three (3) years of job-related experience;

OR

1. One (1) year of experience at the lower level Advocate 1 (SSP080) or position equivalent.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

1. Experience working with a specific issue facing client populations such as family violence, crisis intervention, substance abuse, services to the elderly or disabled.
2. Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services program.
3. Possession of a valid driver’s license and consistent access to a vehicle for required work-related activities.

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

https://dhs.georgia.gov/

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: HRHelpline

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.

DHS accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring official for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.