APS INVESTIGATOR

AZ State Jobs; Avondale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable health, dental, life and短‑/

ASRS retirement

10 paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick time

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness programs

Transportation subsidies

Job summary

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is seeking an experienced Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator. This role conducts high-level case investigations for vulnerable adults 18+ who are abused, neglected, or exploited.

It involves extensive travel, data collection, and collaboration with community partners. Responsibilities include writing comprehensive reports, providing testimony, and coordinating services.

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 Services (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation)

Responsibilities

• Investigate and assess complex cases involving vulnerable adults.
• Travel as needed to meet time frames and provide services.
• Maintain accurate case files and write progress notes and closure summaries.
• Provide information and in-service to community agencies and the public.
• Collaborate with clients, providers, and community resources to deliver appropriate assistance.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Time management

Accurate data entry

Critical thinking

Interviewing

Conflict resolution

Microsoft Excel/Word/Google Suite

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or related field

1 year experience in case management/investigations

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

Job Location

Division of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS), Adult Protective Services (APS), 290 East La Canada Blvd, Avondale, AZ 85323

Posting Details

Salary: $21.5021 - $22.5962

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. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as an Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator. This position will be responsible for performing a variety of senior level case investigation related activities involved in providing direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly and/or incapacitated adults 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited.

Job Duties

• Investigating and providing assessment, evaluation and appropriate services of the most complex cases involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited.
• Providing case investigation related activities involved in direct and indirect assistance requiring extensive travel in compliance with required time frames.
• Determining if services need to be provided.
• Writing comprehensive progress notes, case plans, risk assessments, safety assessments and closure summaries.
• Maintaining accurate and timely case files.
• Providing information and/or in-service to community agencies and the general public.
• Referring clients for possible Guardianship and/or Conservatorship to Public Fiduciary or other entities as required.
• Providing testimony for case related court appearances.
• Facilitating appropriate in-home services and out-of-home placement.
• Collaborating with the client, providers, and community resources to deliver appropriate assistance.
• Assigning tasks to other team members as necessary and help provide on-the-job training and guidance to new staff.
• Requesting, obtaining, reviewing, and analyzing complex financial and medical documents including psychological evaluations.
• Meeting and reviewing cases with the Unit Supervisor on a regular basis ensuring compliance and the needs of clients have been met.
• Contacting clients in a timely manner.
• Interviewing subjects who may have knowledge of the situation.
• Consulting Adult Protective Services (APS) Policy and Procedures Manual ensuring actions taken are in compliance with laws and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state statutes, DES/DAAS regulations, policies and procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment.
• Case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., aging and elder rights, psychological abuse, perpetrator characteristics, adult maltreatment, etc.).
• Physical behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental disabilities and/or seriously mentally ill (SMI) and frail elderly.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental and psychological symptoms.
• Statewide community resources.
• Judicial system as it relates to the appointment of Guardian/Conservator.

Skills In:

• Oral and written communication and active listening
• Time management and organization
• Accurately inputting information
• Critical thinking
• Conducting interviews
• Conflict resolution techniques
• Using a variety of computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, automated client file, etc.)

Ability to:

• Handle callers and clients in a professional, calm manner eliciting information quickly and efficiently while being discrete
• Quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports as they are received
• Write clear, concise and accurate reports including composition, spelling, and grammar
• Effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters

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

• 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 Employee shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults, prior to the start of their employment.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• 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.
• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Upto 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave 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 [phone] 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 [phone] or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.