Adult Protective Services Specialist - Salem

Job Description:

We look for individuals in our organization who are passionate about our mission and values, and providing excellent customer service.

  We value our employees, working closely with them to help them be successful.  We value the people we provide services to, ensuring they receive the highest quality of customer service.

  Balance is required in this job!  Balance the need for and individual’s safety with their right to make choices about their own care.  Balance field work investigating potential abuse with report writing and paperwork needs. 

Recruitment #:   110-01-25

Closes:               January 14, 2025 (Internal) (Last day for internal lateral transfer: 01/14/25)

Location:            Salem, OR

Salary:               $5,034 per month, with excellent benefits (Please see below).

Agency Sponsored: Medical/Dental 100% paid for employee and 90-98% for dependents: generous Paid-time off, Public Employee Retirement (PERS), Employee Assistance Plan, Long Term Disability, great culture.

Employee paid: Deferred Compensation, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Colonial Life Supplemental Plans, Legal Shield.

General Description

Investigate and report allegations of abuse against people with disabilities and older adults, as required under state and federal mandate.

Essential Functions

1. Investigates complaints or allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and serious self-neglect involving seniors, age 65 years and older, and persons with physical disabilities, age 18 years and older
2. Performs assessments for case planning and intervention
3. Completes a written report that encompasses the evidence gathered during the investigation
4. Conducts investigations into allegations in facility settings
5. Promotes person centered services
6. Protects consumers and reduces Agency risk
7. Provides excellent service in a professional manner

1.    Investigates complaints or allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and serious self-neglect involving seniors, age 65 years and older, and persons with physical disabilities, age 18 years and older.

• Perform overall assessment of the consumer’s physical, social, psychological, environmental, and financial situation
• Conduct unannounced interviews with all pertinent parties within the mandated timeframe
• Interview potential witnesses and gather evidence pertinent to the investigation
• Develop and implement protective services intervention plans using the least intrusive methods possible
• Maintain confidentiality of the information gathered during the investigation in accordance to the Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes

2.    Performs assessments for case planning and intervention

• Work closely with other disciplines towards resolution of abuse/neglect cases
• Participate in the monthly Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting to build collaborative relationships with Community Partners
• Gather evidence for civil and criminal court proceedings; provide testimony as required
• Determine the nature and extent of endangerment and implement protective measures to prevent further abuse from occurring
• Provide in-service training to facility staff regarding mandatory reporting of abuse/neglect

3.    Completes a written report that encompasses the evidence gathered during the investigation

• Review the information and make a determination as to whether or not the allegation occurred and if wrongdoing is substantiated or unsubstantiated based on a preponderance of evidence
• Ensure the report is completed within the designated timeframe

4.    Conducts investigations into allegations in facility settings

• Review and gather facility documentation to determine abuse and/or neglect in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules
• Conduct interviews with staff and facility administration to gather relevant information
• Understand and interpret Medications Administration Records, Physician’s Orders, Care Plans, Progress Notes, etc. to determine if the facility provided care in accordance with the rules
• Work collaboratively with APD during investigations to ensure resident safety in facilities

5.    Promotes person centered services 

• Embrace and exhibit the Agency Mission and Core Values
• Understand the role of consumer choice
• Interact with the public, consumers, co-workers and others in a patient, respectful and culturally appropriate manner
• Educate self and others of resources available for populations served, including researching electronic and written materials and Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon resource database
• Understand other Agency resources and accessing resources and assistance to consumers as needed

6.    Protects consumers and reduces Agency risk  

• Follow policies, regulations and requirements of project and Agency; document plan and progress as required
• Serve as a Mandatory Reporter of suspected abuse of vulnerable populations as required by policy and regulation
• Maintain and sharing information according to privacy regulations

7.    Provides excellent service in a professional manner

• Meet the needs of consumers, follow through, meeting deadlines, and maintain skills and knowledge to perform the job
• Apply the required knowledge and skills and exhibit critical thinking and problem solving
• Exhibit good decision making, problem solving and work habits
• Meet quality standards in accuracy, judgment, timeliness and following policy and procedure
• Exhibit good work habits, including organizational skills, regular attendance, working independently, seeking and offering assistance when needed
• Exhibit technology skills related to the work needing to be done, (word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet research, mail, IM, phones, copiers, etc.)
• Regular attendance to meet the demands of this job and provide necessary services.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Salary : $5,034