APS Specialist

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (This is not an exhaustive list of all duties/responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned)

• Serves as the designee for the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), performing abuse/neglect investigations on behalf of clients whose health and/or safety may be at risk; assesses cases and reports to ensure investigations meet OAR criteria.
• Assesses abuse/exploitation risks, including physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators, as well as family and environmental contributors.
• Interviews clients, caregivers, family members, service providers and others regarding allegations of abuse/neglect/exploitation.
• Prepares documentation and evidence to support protective services actions such as seeking and assisting with restraining orders, protective orders, court commitments, guardianship and/or other court related activities, including photography, and/or detailed review of medical/financial records.
• Prepares written report of investigation findings, including any required actions to respond to abuse/exploitation/neglect or prevent further abuse of the client.
• Testifies in court or at hearings regarding professional assessments, agency decisions or investigation findings.
• Assists management in monitoring the quality of DDS protective services delivered within the County.
• Assists management in the identification of existing and insufficient DDS protective service delivery resources and options.
• Provides information of investigation procedures to clients, caregivers, family members, staff, brokerages, and others, within required timelines.
• Conducts safety planning with alleged victims, including taking immediate action if necessary.
• Participates in the development of information resources and provides training regarding protective services or investigative duties to other staff and community/contract teams and agencies.
• Works collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies, as well as others, both in Oregon and in other states when necessary.
• Participates regularly in local multi-disciplinary team(s) pertaining to vulnerable adult abuse.

Benefits offered:

• $3,000 new hire bonus (full-time new hires to Lifewaysonly)
• Medical Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance, AD&D - Company Paid
• Short Term Disability- Company Paid
• Long Term Disability
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional or ROTH) with Company Funded company match up to 6%
• Retirement and Financial Planning Services
• Shift differential incentives
• Loan Forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
• We provide professional development to enhance various skills, certifications, and continuing education
• Opportunities for growth and movement - We encourage our employees to consider new growth opportunities with us and have opportunities
• Paid Time Off (amount depends on years of service)
• Sick Leave for part-time staff
• (11) Paid Holidays
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Commuter Mileage Incentive
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Clinical Supervision
• Wellness Program reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program - assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being

Required:

• Must have knowledge of the public service system for developmental disabilities services in Oregon and at least:
• A bachelor's degree in human science, social science, behavioral science, or criminal science and two years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience.
• OR an associate degree in human science, social science, behavioral science, or criminal science and four years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of investigation and research, including critical interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods and techniques of negotiation.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing.
• Project and/or case management techniques and practices.
• Modern office practices, recordkeeping, documentation procedures, case/file management methods, effective writing/presentation principles, and computer systems and operation.
• Research methods and analysis techniques applicable to a municipal law enforcement agency or for the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• Local social service agencies and community resources.
• Social service theory, practices, and procedures.

Ability to:

• Identify legal issues of investigations.
• Present, communicate information, findings, and recommendations clearly, factually, and logically both verbally and in structured, written reports.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with a variety of individuals in the field and in person.
• Effectively deal with people in stressful situations, gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Analyze and research information and make formal recommendations on complex client cases.
• Effectively organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Develop effective relationships and coordinate investigations with law enforcement and the legal system.
• Effectively understand and demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultures and individuals.
• Prepare and maintain records, statistical data and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.