Case Worker, Adult Protective Services

Mercyhealth; Rockford (IL); Hybrid; USD 56,033,000 - 89,515,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life & Disability Insurance

FSA/HSA Options

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Tuition and certification reimburse

Employee discounts

Job summary

Mercyhealth in Rockford, IL seeks a Case Worker for Adult Protective Services to investigate abuse/neglect, coordinate services, and document cases. You will assess client needs, develop plans, and monitor interventions while coordinating with aging and other service providers.

The role requires IDoA APS training, strong interviewing skills, and the ability to testify in court when required. A degree in health or human services or related field is preferred; Mercyhealth offers comprehensive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in health or human services, social work, healthcare admin, gerontology, criminal justice, or nursing.
• Associate degree with four years’ experience in health or human services as alternative.
• Active LPN license with one year health/human services experience.

Responsibilities

• Investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect per IDoA standards.
• Develops case plans and links clients to resources; conducts monthly follow-ups.
• Documents thoroughly; coordinates with waivers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepares paperwork and testifies in court as needed; negotiates difficult family situations.

Skills

Interviewing

Needs assessment

Case planning

Negotiation

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in health or human services

Associate degree + 4 years’ health/human services experience

Licensed Practical Nurse license

Experience with law enforcement/criminal investigation

Job description

## Case Worker, Adult Protective ServicesApply: Mercyhealth Physician Clinic-Rockton - Rockford, IL: Full time: Posted 4 Days Ago: 2026-02974**OVERVIEW**Investigates and responds to reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect while assessing client needs and coordinating appropriate services and resources. Maintains case documentation, conducts follow-ups, collaborates with providers and multidisciplinary teams, and completes required court, training, and program activities.**SCHEDULE:** 40-hours per week**SHIFT:** Days**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*** Conducts investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and/or self-neglect within the specified time frame as set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging's (IDOA) Organization Standards and Responsibilities. Interviews alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, providers and other collaterals as required.* Provides Case Work activities for clients and families: assesses client needs, develops a case plan and links clients to resources. Monitors the resources/interventions put in place to ensure needs are being met.* Provides follow-up activities on a monthly basis which includes coordinating care/services for the client, evaluating if current services are sufficient and assessing the risk for future abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation or self-neglect issues.* Completes the paperwork required by the IDoA Adult Protective Services program accurately and in a timely manner.* Negotiates difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills and involves the APS Supervisor or Lead Caseworker when appropriate.* Utilizes the court system for judicial procedures such as Orders of Protection, Evictions, Guardianships or the like. Prepares the case and oneself to testify in court as necessary.* Coordinates with Waiver services such as Aging, DHS/DRS, DHS/DDD, MCO and the like per IDoA policies.* Participates in monthly M-Team meetings by presenting a case when scheduled to do so, offering constructive input to the group and incorporating recommendations in the Client’s case plan when appropriate. In addition, the APS Caseworker will take minutes when assigned and turn these in to the APS Supervisor or other designated staff within two weeks after the meeting.* Participates in Staff meetings: monthly APS meetings, monthly Older Adult Services all-dept meetings, as well as all-agency meetings, offering constructive input when appropriate.* Participates in IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities.* Completes annual required educational requirements for both IDoA/APS and Mercyhealth.**ED****UC****ATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE**Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in health or human services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, criminal justice, or nursing.ORAn associate degree from an accredited program in health, nursing, social services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, disability studies, criminal justice or public administration and four years' experience in health or human services.ORAn active licensed practical nurse license, with one year experience in health or human servicesORFour years' experience with law enforcement or criminal investigationORAn approved waiver of educational requirements for intake workers and case aides through the IDoAANDMinimum three years of experience with assessment of needs for older adults (60+years) or those 18-59 who have a disability, preferred.The ability to negotiate difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills preferred.**CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE** Must attend Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Adult Protective Services Caseworker Certification Trainings Phase I, Simulation Training and Phase II and pass the test, as well as any other mandatory training as required by IDoA. Current CPR certification; or obtain through Mercyhealth within 6 months of hire. **OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES**Must be able to speak and write the English language proficientlyMust be able to follow written/oral instructions**LEVEL OF SUPERVISION**N/A **PAY RANGE:**$19.53 - $31.24Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:* Medical, Dental, Vision* Life & Disability Insurance* FSA/HSA Options* Generous, accruing paid time off* Paid Parental and caregiver leave* Career advancement and educational opportunities* Tuition and certification reimbursement* Certification Reimbursement* Well-being Programs* Employee Discounts* On-Demand Pay* Financial Education* Annual recognition/awards events* Partner appreciation days* Family entertainment/attractions discount* Community service/improvement opportunities