Social Caseworker - Adult Protective Services

APS Social Caseworker Opportunity

Are you passionate about helping at-risk adults within the community? Do you possess the drive to help improve the lives of senior citizens and their families as they embark on changes associated with aging? Do you enjoy working as a part of a dedicated team and working with community partners to make a difference? If so, then the Adult Protection unit has the perfect opportunity for you! As an APS Social Caseworker, you will work closely with internal staff, clients, and community partners to help connect this vulnerable population to resources and establish additional options for our Elderly & Disabled population. In this position, you will be responsible for conducting in person fieldwork to investigate claims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, caretaker neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of at-risk adults in El Paso County. You will have the opportunity to work closely with community partners to include hospital staff, law enforcement, local courts, mental health professionals, in addition to other community agencies. Caseworkers develop case plans, conduct assessments and work to secure stability for this at-risk population. El Paso County DHS provides extensive opportunity for growth and career development. Your efforts in this role have the opportunity to significantly impact the lives of our elderly and intellectually disabled or delayed adult population.

Hiring Range: $57,000.00 - $62,000.00 annually

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $59,737.60 annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; subject to change.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Investigate Adult Protective Services referrals for possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation; interviews and observes clients, family members, and other relevant sources.
• Based on investigation, initiates appropriate action, including elderly or disabled adult removal from hostile environment, petition to initiate guardianship proceedings, or other legal intervention or service to alleviate situation.
• Works closely with attorneys and guardian ad litems regarding ongoing court cases; testifies and makes recommendations to the court.
• Implements adult care plans utilizing client relatives, friends, and community support systems to resolve abusive, neglectful, or exploitative situations.
• Provides advocacy for clients with no party to assist them.
• Documents case plans, assessments, contracts, and recommendations; prepares and maintains client case files.
• Participates in conferences, staffings, workshops, and attends training sessions.
• Gives presentations on Adult Protection Services to various audiences.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of the dynamics of disabled adults and the elderly.
• Working knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions.
• Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, the courts, other community agencies, and the public.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree or higher from a higher education institution with an equivalent of thirty semester or forty-five quarter hours in human behavioral sciences or health care related courses required as stated in Volume 30 Section 310.B. One year of professional, caseworker, case management, or human services experience in a public or private social services agency. Bachelor's Degree of Social Work (BSW) or Master's Degree of Social Work (MSW) internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for the required experience.

Licenses/Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance as stated within El Paso County's Personnel Policies Manual. Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to the position. Must possess and maintain Colorado Adult Protective Services Certification or the ability to successfully complete within ninety days of enrollment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen. College transcripts required prior to the date of hire.

Work Conditions: Duties are primarily performed in the field and require extensive travel to client homes and other locations; local and non-local travel may be required. Must be able to climb stairs in or outside of these environments and