Human Services Investigator - Adult Protective Services (APS)

Multnomah County; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Multnomah County is seeking a dedicated Human Services Investigator within the Aging, Disability and Veteran Services Division (ADVSD). You will conduct Adult Protective Services screenings, triage reports, and investigate abuse and neglect cases to ensure safety for vulnerable adults.

The role requires a background in social services, with strong interviewing skills and knowledge of applicable laws. Position involves travel among multiple county locations and may involve on-call

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in social science, social service or a related field (Equivalent training and practical experience may substitute).
• Three years of increasing responsible case management experience, with at least two years beyond entry level.
• Valid drivers license by time of hire.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Screen to determine eligibility for APS services and triage reports of abuse and self-neglect.
• Investigate cases of physical, verbal, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, abandonment, involuntary seclusion, restraint, and neglect.
• Link adults who are vulnerable to vital health and human services.
• Provide education and training about abuse prevention and community resources.

Skills

Case management experience

Valid drivers license

Criminal background check

Education

Bachelors degree in social science, social services, or related field

Job description

Pay Range

$38.03 - $46.77 Hourly

Department

Department of County Human Services (DCHS)

Job Type

Regular Represented

Exemption Status

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date

November 24, 2026

The Opportunity

This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility list that can be used for future vacancies. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Do you easily adapt to change and seek a position where no two days are the same? If you have a passion and drive to serve others and are seeking a real opportunity to have a positive impact on the community, we need you on our team!

About the Role

Human Services Investigator

The Aging, Disability and Veteran Services Division (ADVSD) is currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to provide services as a Human Services Investigator. Adult Protective Services (APS) staff complete screenings to determine eligibility for APS services and to triage reports of abuse and self neglect. APS staff conduct investigations related to physical abuse, verbal abuse, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, abandonment, involuntary seclusion, wrongful restraint, self-neglect and neglect. Adult Protective Services staff link adults who are vulnerable to vital health and human services. The program aims to ensure the safety of vulnerable people in both facility and community settings and provides education and training about abuse prevention and community resources.

Locations

• East Branch located at 600 NE 8th St, Gresham, OR 97030
• Mid Branch located at 11982 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220
• N/NE Branch located at Walnut Park Complex, 5329 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
• Southeast Branch located at 4610 SE Belmont St, 2nd floor Portland, OR 97215
• West Branch located at 209 SW 4th Ave, 1st floor Portland, OR 97204

To Qualify

Multnomah County is committed to the diversity of our workforce and our strength lies in the perspectives our employees bring to their work. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women and individuals with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQIA+ community members. Multnomah County promotes inclusion, equity and fairness where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

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.

Minimum Qualifications / Transferable Skills

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in social science, social service or a related field (Equivalent training and practical experience may substitute for the educational requirement) -AND-
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible case management experience, with at least two (2) years beyond entry level work
• Driving is an essential duty of the job, must have a valid driver's license by the time of hire
• Must pass a criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications / Transferable Skills

• Knowledge of principles and practices of investigation and research, including critical interviewing techniques and conflict management
• Knowledge of and ability to appropriately apply pertinent federal, state, and local laws
• Ability to accurately assess individual situations carefully and make discretionary judgments and recommendations
• Ability to effectively organize/prioritize work to meet pressing deadlines, and work independently as well as a member of a team using good judgment, excellent verbal/written communications, and decision making skills
• Ability to research, compile, analyze, and summarize material into understandable formal reports in a timely manner
• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
• Understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and individuals. Knowledge of cultures, customs and social experiences of communities experiencing marginalization and barriers to opportunity
• Understanding the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities
• Knowledge of available programs, public assistance providers, service agencies, protective services, referral centers, community resources, and crisis/emergency resources

Transferable Skills

• Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences 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.

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 through phone screen and/or interview(s)
• Background and reference checks

Additional Information

Type of Position: This AFSCME Local 88 union-represented full-time position is eligible for overtime.

Schedule: Core business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Alternative work schedules are available.

Serving the Public, Even During Disasters

Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.

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.

Questions?

Ask your questions here, or go over the FAQ page to find more answers.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile

6301 - Human Services Investigator