Adult Protective Services Specialist

Adult Protective Services Specialist

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. You have an opportunity to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in people's lives today!

This position serves Morrow, Umatilla, Baker, Union, Wallowa, Grant, Harney, and Malhuer Counties (Districts 12, 13 & 14) as part of the Central Adult Protective Services (APS) Facility Report Team. This is a hybrid position that could include weekly travel conducting active investigations.

Summary of Duties

• Investigates complaints of abuse or neglect, plan the scope and direction of the investigation, interview alleged victims, perpetrators or witnesses, and review documents and records.
• Provides local support to offices through report review, collaborate with local office investigators, and conduct selected investigations.
• After screening and triage, conducts a preliminary assessment of the alleged victim's safety, possible risks to the investigator or other factors; determines need for the emergency intervention.
• Applies administrative statues, administrative rules, and facility regulations regarding abuse to investigate situations and determine finding.
• Determines relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information and evidence.
• Coordinates actions with law enforcement, District Attorneys, or other community partners to arrange for victim's safety and security.
• Writes investigative reports that include summary of evidence and witness statements, conclusions, and recommended action in accordance with DHS rules and polices.
• Visits individuals to monitor living and safety conditions. Intervene in situations where adults are at high-risk of abuse or neglect within their living situations and develops intervention plans.
• Continues to monitor, reassess, and arrange intervention until level of harm is reduced or in accordance with policy timeline.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and two years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience;
• OR An Associate's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and four years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience
• Three years professional level experience related to the position may substitute for the Bachelor's degree; 18 months for an Associates.

Essential Attributes

• Experience providing written and oral feedback to peers
• Collaborative approach to problem solving experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a high level of independence.
• Commitment and experience serving Oregon's vulnerable populations.
• Experience with investigating adult abuse.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

Working Conditions

• This is a hybrid position, regionally based. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
• This position serves in a Lead role.
• Frequent statewide travel required for engagement with local offices and community partners or team and supervisory meetings, all which could require an overnight stay.
• Position requires a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Frequent exposure to sensitive and confidential information and evidence such as reports and photographs regarding the abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.
• May be subjected to abuse and assaultive threats made by angry and hostile individuals.
• Position involves a rigorous volume of workload that requires the ability to coordinate responsibilities for multiple field offices at one time, each with a level of activity that can be unpredictable and fast paced.
• Ability to work in an area with moderate noise levels with multiple distractions and maintain good working relationships with other employees. Subject to interruptions via telephone and in person.
• Requires daily computer use and period of sitting in a general office environment or remote office location.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

• Veterans' preference:
• Veterans' preference information.
• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a full time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

• We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
• The recruiter for this position is Bonnie Nyssen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
• Email: bonnie.nyssen@odhs.oregon.gov