Protective Services Worker

Looking for work life balance? Interested in working up to 75% of the time remotely after 6 months? Looking for generous benefits? Check this position out at Highland Valley Elder Services!

COVER LETTERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.

The Protective Service Worker performs intake, investigation and service

planning and other Protective Services casework functions under the Elder

Protective Services Program as defined in 651 CMR.5.02.

This position reports to and is supervised by the Highland Valley Elder Services Protective Services Program Director.

REQUIREMENTS: A Masters or higher degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing or gerontology; plus at least 1 year of experience in counseling casework or case management, preferably in a Protective Services or crisis intervention capacity. OR Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, or gerontology; plus at least 2 years of experience in counseling, casework or case management providing protective or crisis intervention services.

A. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Receives reports of the abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of elders and conducts an investigation to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the abuse occurred.

2. Determines whether an emergency or non-emergency situation exists and responds to emergency situations when necessary, within working hours or as negotiated.

3. Conducts protective assessments of abused elders, including evaluation of the functional capacity, situation and resources of abused elders, in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 19A and 20(a) or 20(b).

4. Develops, with abused elders, protective service treatment plans; and provides or arranges for the provision of protective and other services to abused elders. Provides counseling to elders regarding the alleviation or prevention of abuse and the availability of services. This can involve work with the Probate Court or District Attorney's Office.

5. Monitors the provision of services necessary to alleviate abuse and neglect, until the case can be closed.

6. Maintains the case file by completing all mandated paper work in a timely fashion, according to required documentation standards, including the full use of APS computerized record (Harmony).

7. Performs community organization work to help educate the community to the issue of elder abuse; and develops the effective inter-agency relationships necessary, in order to utilize the multi-disciplinary resources available in the community for abused elders.

8. Responsible for after-hours, on-call coverage 1 week at a time, to be shared with other staff on a rotating basis.

9. Provides back-up to care management system as needed.

10. Responsible for carrying out other duties as assigned by the Protective Services Program Director.

11. Participates in training and development activities to keep up with knowledge/skills leading to strong performance in this position.

12. Participates in required quality performance initiatives within program area.

B. ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor to meet agency needs.

2. Environmental Conditions: Work is 50% indoor office work; 50% outdoor (i.e. travel to attend required meetings, presentations and trainings).

3. Physical Requirements

a. While performing duties of position, employee will be required to sit/stand for extended periods.

a. Working knowledge of computers applicable software and databases and capacity to see computer screen and read written material.

b. Capacity to communicate verbally with staff/supervisors, consumers and community.

c. Capacity for the fine manipulation of office equipment.

d. Capacity for occasional reaching, lifting or bending.

4. Work Environment Expectations

a. Available to work an hourly position with primary hours daily M-F, 9am-5pm.

b. Ability to drive as the position requires.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.75 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Northampton, MA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 3 years (Required)
• Crisis management: 1 year (Required)
• working with elders: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: One location