GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

This position may perform a full range of intake, ongoing and screening casework functions in the area of Adult Protective Services. The focus of the position is dependent on the needs of the agency and may change due to community needs.  Adult protection caseworkers work with many community partners to ensure secure stability for our at-risk population in Elbert County.  

JOB DUTIES: 

• Conducts investigations of Adult Protective Services referrals to determine if abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred. Investigations may include observing and interviewing clients and family members, working with community partners, and others as needed.
• Develops effective case plans for at-risk adults, utilizing relatives, friends, and community supports to ensure stability for the at-risk adult and to mitigate any concerns of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Consistently and accurately documents case plans, assessments, contacts, and other relevant information utilizing the electronic CAPS system.
• Advocate for clients and work cooperatively with law enforcement and other professionals as required.
• Determines the most appropriate action to mitigate concerns, including possible removal from a hostile environment or petitioning the court to establish guardianship over the at-risk adult. Provide court testimony as required.
• In conjunction with the Protective Services Supervisor and other staff, screen Adult Protective Services referral to determine if they meet criteria for assignment.
• Successful completion of the Adult Protection Academy and annual training is required.
• Performs other duties as assigned

 KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 

• Ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of social casework principles, practice, concepts and ethics including diagnostic assessment methods, interviewing skills, techniques of effecting change in behavior, abuse and neglect dynamics, sexual abuse dynamics, and therapeutic approaches.
• Ability to utilize current technology with proficiency in document/file management, word-processing, data- base management, email usage and internet browsers.  Ability to learn various applications.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to decision making, problem solving and accomplishing tasks.
• Ability to problem-solve quickly in challenging situations
• Ability to work collaboratively with the diverse system of professionals such as legal, school, medical, mental health, substance abuse and disability service providers.
• Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Ability to diffuse hostile and potentially unsafe situations.
• Ability to prioritize within a diverse, demanding caseload.  
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to be flexible, creative and use sound judgment.
• Ability to testify in court and make sound judgments and recommendations regarding adults at risk.
• Ability to deliver effective customer service and communication skills in a professional manner to a diverse client base, with varying emotional, physical, developmental and socio-economic backgrounds and varying cultural and/or religious beliefs.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret and communicate complicated and technical statutes, regulations, policies, procedures and protocols.
• Ability to work in a high volume, high stress environment.
• Ability to safely drive an automobile or van on public roads and highways.

RESPONSIBILITY: 

Incumbent reports to and works under the general supervision of the Protective Services Supervisor.  Work is reviewed periodically for results obtained. Although decisions must be compatible with the available guidelines and laws, considerable judgment must be exercised in more difficult cases. The supervisor makes all critical decisions.  Close, detailed supervision is provided before and during the course of work.   Incumbent keeps supervisor informed of the progress of each case.

Detailed instructions are often received from the supervisor, normally when cases are assigned and during the progress of cases, which involve extensive assessment. Work is reviewed for compliance to procedures, methods, general conclusions, final results, and accuracy regularly through staffings and supervisory reviews.          

The work impacts a large portion of the county, both by providing a service in the community's interest to a complex case load involving a variety of program areas, improving family functioning, and potentially avoiding the need for intervention of other community agencies.  Errors in judgment, such as assessing the need for protection, could result in injury or death of a client. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree with an equivalent of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in human behavioral sciences or health care related courses, such as, social work, sociology, psychology, psychiatry, gerontology, nursing, special education, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, therapeutic techniques, guidance and counseling, or other human behavioral sciences or medical field relevant to the APS Program and/or at-risk adults. 

One year of professional casework in a public or private social services agency, obtained after the degree is obtained, or a Master's degree in social work is preferred.

Certification(s): Adult Protection Training Academy Certification is required for this position (may be completed after hire date).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle record
• Must be able to pass a CBI and FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check
• Must be able to pass a Human Services background check for child welfare and adult protection
• Bilingual is a plus
• Current or recent Adult Protective Services Certification or experience preferred

PHYSICAL EFFORT, WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Considerable travel is required in order to complete client visits. These visits will generally occur within the greater Metropolitan Denver area, but may occasionally require out-of-state or overnight travel.  The worker is required to attend meetings and trainings within the county and state as necessary.  Additionally, appearances at court and legal proceedings are required. Remainder of the work is performed in a standard office environment.  The worker may encounter angry or hostile clients and unsafe conditions in homes.

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

Driving: Frequently

Balancing: Frequently

Bending/Stooping: Frequently

Twisting: Frequently

Squatting/Crouching: Occasionally

Kneeling: Occasionally

Crawling: Occasionally

Climbing Stairs:  Occasionally

Climbing Ladders: Occasionally

Reaching: Frequently

Standing/Walking: Frequently

Lifting: Occasionally

Lifting: 1 lb. minimum/30 lbs. maximum

Carrying: 1 lb. minimum/30 lbs. maximum

Push/Pull: 1 lb. minimum/30 lbs. maximum