Protective Services Worker

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for investigating protective services reports, assessing risk, and alleviating abuse in compliance with Elder Affairs and agency guidelines.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Assures that protective services investigations are conducted on a timely basis:
   1. Thoroughly investigates reported allegations through interviews and assessment with the elder and collateral contacts.
   2. Assesses risk and elder’s capacity.
   3. Determines whether abuse has occurred and report can be substantiated.
2. Assures on-going follow up for substantiated cases:
   1. Develops a service plan with the elder to reduce or alleviate abuse.
   2. Maintains regular contact to evaluate ongoing risk and efficacy of the service plan.
   3. Submits reports to the District Attorney’s office and works with the District Attorney as needed to prosecute cases of severe abuse.
   4. Provides services or makes referrals to address identified needs.
   5. Maintains contact with case managers and other professionals, as appropriate.
3. Assures elders’ access to services and support after regular business hours:
   1. Responds to emergency calls from a protective services supervisor.
   2. Conducts activity necessary to stabilize emergency situations, as directed by a supervisor.
4. Documents phone calls, visits, and all other case activity in accordance with Elder Affairs and agency requirements; maintains client records accurately and within the mandated timeframe.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: A Master’s or higher degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing, or gerontology plus at least one year of experience in counseling, casework, case management, preferably in a Protective Services or crisis intervention capacity; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, or gerontology plus at least two years experience in counseling, casework, or case management providing protective or crisis intervention services.

Special Skills/Knowledge:

Excellent oral and written communications skills,

ability to effectively relate to a wide variety of personalities,

proven assessment and crisis intervention skills,

basic computer skills,

demonstrated organizational and time management skills,

ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, high volume work environment.

Driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V