Elder Protective Services Worker

GENERAL SUMMARY:  

The Elder Protective Services Worker is responsible for investigating and evaluating allegations of abuse or neglect, performing protective interventions, recommending protective program placements, and providing casework services for elderly clients facing abuse, substance abuse including alcohol and other drugs, neglect by a caretaker, financial exploitation, or self-neglect.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, and self-neglect of older adults (60+) in a timely manner as defined under the regulations governing the protective services program.
• Provide case work services to protective service client population, by responding to crisis situations with field visits, and conduct written assessments of risk, decisional ability and functional abilities. While also providing short-term case management an make referrals to alleviate substantiated allegations.
• Refer situations involving serious abuse to the appropriate District Attorney In consultation with Protective Services Supervisor.
• Work closely with community agencies and organizations including first responders, community safety personnel and medical professionals to identify needs, locate resources, and set up service network to meet needs.
• Maintain case records; collect information for program monitoring and evaluation.
• Assume 24-hours on-call responsibility as determined by Protective Services Supervisor.

COMPETENCIES NEEDED:

Composure/Self Control:  Caps emotions to avoid negative reactions when provoked, when faced with opposition or hostility, or when working under stress; able to stay focused despite prolonged stress; able to respond constructively to emotional situations, high pressure, and conflict.

Accountability :  Demonstrates and communicates a high level of responsibility for and commitment to achieving results. 

Communication Skills: Listens, speaks, and writes clearly and concisely; ensures all involved are kept informed about developments and plans; shares ideas and information with others who might find them useful; keeps supervisor informed about progress and problems.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Recognizes and accurately evaluates the signs of a problem and utilizes available resources to deescalate or resolve; analyzes current procedures for possible improvements; notifies supervisor of problems in a timely manner.

Teamwork and Cooperation:  Demonstrates willingness to work with others toward a common goal as opposed to working in competition with others.

Time Management:  Organizes and schedules people and tasks demonstrating the ability to balance requisite number of home visits per month with maintenance of notes; regularly produces accurate, thorough, professional work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee travels by car and is exposed to changing weather and seasonal conditions.  The employee works in varied residential environments based on the assigned caseload.  The balance of time is spent in a professional office environment.  This role regularly requires the use of a computer, telephone and other standard office equipment.  The employee is frequently required to stand, get in and out of an automobile, as well as walk up and down stairs to enter and exit consumer homes. 

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

• Either a Bachelor’s Degree (required) in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology or related field and 2 years’ crisis intervention, domestic violence or witness advocate experience.
  • OR A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field and 1 year of crisis intervention experience.

• Experience working in an Aging Services agency is helpful.
• Experience with elders and/or investigations
• Ability to independently, organize work, take initiative, and meet deadlines
• Must have experience in crisis intervention including substance abuse.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of abuse.
• Experience working in victim/witness advocacy, substance abuse, child protective services, District Attorney's office, domestic violence shelter, abuse investigation, group home or other related position preferred.
• Experience in working with isolated, frail elders is helpful.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues related to the aging process.