Case Worker, Adult Protective Services - Full Time

Mercyhealth Visiting Nurses Association, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

FSA/HSA Options

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Certification reimbursement

Well-being programs

Job summary

Mercyhealth Visiting Nurses Association, Inc. seeks an APS Case Worker to investigate abuse and neglect in adults, develop care plans, and link clients to resources. You will coordinate with aging, DHS/DRS, MCOs and other services, with follow-up monthly and documentation aligned to IDoA standards.

The role requires strong interview and negotiation skills, ability to testify in court when needed, and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams across Mercyhealth's network in northern Illinois.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in health or human services or related field.
• Associate degree plus four years’ health or human services experience.
• Active LPN with one year in health/human services preferred.
• Four years’ experience in law enforcement or criminal investigation acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and self-neglect per IDoA standards.
• Interview victims, alleged perpetrators, families and collaterals; develop case plans.
• Coordinate care with waivers and other services; monitor and adjust plans monthly.
• Prepare for court testimony and manage Orders of Protection or guardianships as needed.
• Attend monthly team and staff meetings; document minutes and share recommendations.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Negotiation

Court testimony

Communication proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in health or human services

Associate degree with 4 years' experience

Active LPN license with 1 year experience

Experience in health or human services

Job description

OVERVIEWThe Case Worker for Adult Protective Services (APS) adheres to the program rules, guidelines and policies set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). The APS Caseworker develops a written plan of care to mitigate the risk of abuse, implements needed services as appropriate and provides follow up services on an individual basis. The APS Caseworker conducts investigations of Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment, Financial Exploitation and/or Self-Neglect for adults 60yrs or older and adults 18y/o - 59y/o with a disability who reside in a domestic setting or a facility.Schedule: Monday-FridayShift: DaysESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESConducts 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.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCEBachelor’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/LICENSURERequired IDoA courseworkCPR/BLS within 6 months of hire.OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIESMust be able to speak and write the English language proficientlyMust be able to follow written/oral instructionsPAY 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, VisionLife & Disability InsuranceFSA/HSA OptionsGenerous, accruing paid time offPaid Parental and caregiver leaveCareer advancement and educational opportunitiesTuition and certification reimbursementCertification ReimbursementWell-being ProgramsEmployee DiscountsOn-Demand PayFinancial EducationAnnual recognition/awards eventsPartner appreciation daysFamily entertainment/attractions discountCommunity service/improvement opportunitiesClick here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:#1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working MothersA Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women