APS Investigator/Screener - MHC

Multnomah County; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Employer-funded retirement savings

Paid parental leave

Job summary

The Multnomah County Health Department seeks an APS Investigator/Screener to assess abuse referrals under Oregon rules, coordinate care plans, and document actions for legal compliance.

You will screen calls, provide crisis support, and collaborate with case managers and external partners to ensure client safety and appropriate service delivery.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in psychology or social work or counseling or behavioral science.
• QMHP-R certification required within 30 days of hire.
• Core Competency Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Background check/fingerprinting may be required.

Responsibilities

• Screen APS referrals to determine if abuse definitions are met per Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Coordinate care plans and referrals with case managers and external agencies.
• Document determinations to meet legal and HIPAA requirements.
• Engage crisis services when appropriate and provide safety planning.

Skills

Empathy

Risk assessment

Crisis intervention

Interviewing

Education

Master's degree in psychology or social work or counseling or behavioral science

Job description

Pay Range: $41.45 - $50.97 Hourly Department: Health Department Job Type: Regular Represented Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt) Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): September 12, 2026

The Opportunity

THIS WORK MATTERS! We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission. We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and prompt health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.

The Behavioral Health Adult Protective Service (APS) Investigator/Screener is responsible for screening APS referrals to determine whether the event reported meets abuse definitions within the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). This position also makes referrals and recommendations for client's welfare and services; conducts protective services for individuals with mental health concerns; manages interview and evaluation process for clinical determination of risk; coordinates with external agencies for action and care plans; and documents determinations and to meet legal requirements. The APS Investigator/Screener is a designee of the State, executing statutory responsibilities on abuse/neglect allegations and protective services referrals. Creates a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community.

As the APS Investigator/Screener - MHC, other duties include: Conduct Formal Assessments and Screenings Screen all calls to determine, assess and evaluate whether the incident meets the definition of abuse under local, state and federal law and policies. While in the screening role, this position will use the definition of abuse from the OAR that is appropriate to the setting in which the alleged victim lives (single family home, congregate setting, etc.) and receives mental health services. Complete EHR intake form, submit it for review by supervisor and make changes as needed. Provide consultation, direction, intervention, care coordination and/or service plan to case managers and other providers to determine and direct their best course of action to maintain client safety and to file a police report if there is documentation and reason to believe a crime has been committed. Engage crisis services when appropriate. Consultation and case evaluation within a team setting of internal and external partners will include possible referrals and warm hand-offs to a provider or other organization based on the recommended level of action and care. Additionally, it will ensure the client's ability to follow up on their care plan and transition events, providing necessary supports such as connections to services and transportation. Clinical follow‑up will also be arranged as needed. Contact abuse reporters, alleged victims and others in the community to gather information, assess risk, problem‑solve, and safety plan. Conduct and document safety planning as part of assessment and clinical process. Included in the screening and evaluation process is a focus on quality improvement, policy development, communication, control of HIPAA and other legal protections of protected health information, and workflow innovation while collaborating with numerous internal and external providers, agencies, organizations, etc. Conduct Death Reviews Request, review and evaluate clinical records of deceased clients of community mental health programs to determine if abuse or neglect played a role in the client’s death. Document in electronic health records (EHR), on State forms and in-program forms to chronicle the service recommendations, course of treatment, safety planning, and interventions by service providers prior to the client’s death. Make recommendations, referrals, and determinations based on the Death Review Process. Refer for investigation any allegations that meet criteria of abuse or neglect based on the OAR.

Supervision/Training/Meetings Participate in individual and group supervision. Use supervision to address and identify strengths, areas of growth, training needs, program needs, and professional development issues. Participate in State and County trainings as needed. Participate in training sessions with the team when there are new staff, administrative rules changes, new protocols, and as needed. Participate in staff meetings, client staffings, division‑wide and county‑wide meetings to share learning, best practices, and support of team‑based care approaches for fragile and at‑risk clients. The position will be trained on both screening and Death Review processes, definitions of abuse, documentation requirements, and threshold of harm to the individual involved.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer‑funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work‑life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website.

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification: Must have a Masters degree: Masters degree in psychology or Masters degree in social work or counseling or Masters degree in a behavioral science field

Certification: Qualified Mental Health Professional - (QMHP-R) with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO). Please visit the MHACBO website to confirm your eligibility to apply. This position requires a QMHP - R within 30 days. Upload a copy of your active QMHP - R, and/or licensed Board of Oregon (LPC, LCSW, PHD,etc) with your application, or state your ability to obtain one.

Certification: Core Competency Certification (within 6 months of hire). The Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS)

Other: This position requires a background investigation, which may include being fingerprinted.

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates:

Lead with race through actions and advocacy with internal programs, with community partners and across departments throughout the county.

Demonstrate the ability to flex style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural context.

Experience entering information into any kind of database, health records, health insurance verification.

Active listener and empathetic.

Time management and strong organizational skills.

Respect and appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity.

Ability to collaborate and build relationships to achieve positive work outcomes.

Ability to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

High degree of resilience, is outcome driven and can thrive in an environment of rapid change while effectively managing pressure in an effective and professional manner.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING & EVALUATION (REQUIRED)

The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

1. Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications; AND

2. Attach a Cover Letter addressing the following:

• Demonstrate your experience collaborating with multicultural and diverse teams and working community members

• How you meet the qualifications for this position; highlight any relevant transferable skills, computer or databases experience, multi tasking while attending to the client?

• How would this role enable you to make a positive impact on the vulnerable communities you serve?

• what attracts you to this role?

3. Attach a copy of your QMHP-R and/or Board of Oregon Licensure.

The Selection Process

For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows: Initial review of minimum qualifications, An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates, Consideration of top candidates/interviews, Background, reference, and education checks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Type of Position: This hourly union‑represented position is eligible for overtime. Type: Represented FLSA: Non‑Exempt.

**Applying for this posting will give you the opportunity to be placed on the eligible list for future opportunities for Mental Health Consultant positions as they become available. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill regular, full or part time, temporary, and limited duration assignments.**

Salary/Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee you will create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment. In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference

Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act

We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Job Profile

6365 - Mental Health Consultant Current Multnomah County employees must apply within Workday We're glad you are considering a career that gives back and supports the community. Working for Multnomah County means having the opportunity to make a real difference in the community, no matter what position you hold. We provide a wide array of essential services including health, community justice, roads, elections, libraries, jails, bridges, tax and assessment, marriage licenses, animal services, mental health and addiction services and more. Our organization’s top priority is to meet the many needs of our residents. Learn more about who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Veterans The Selection Process Jobs Home Interns