APS Investigator

Job Summary

To assess allegations of neglect, self-neglect, abuse, or financial abuse of elderly and disabled Racine County residents. Provide mobile crisis intervention, crisis counseling, assessment and referral. Provide case management to consumers in an assigned caseload to ensure their safety and that their needs are met. Develop and maintain relationships with court and legal system, community partners, document casework activities, and provide an evaluation, advocacy and follow up to consumers.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigates abuse and neglect allegations by responding to referrals, interviewing consumers and collateral contacts, analyzing collected information to determine if criminal actions have occurred and submitting recommendations to supervisors.
• Work with Racine County’s Mobile Response team to provide crisis intervention, crisis counseling, assessment, and referrals elderly and disabled Racine County residents.
• Work with individuals and their support systems to assess the consumer for resources to meet their needs and ensure health/safety.
• Facilitate follow-up intervention and connection to appropriate resources with individuals and their families.
• Provide oral and written communication that is appropriate to the task and in accordance with agency, Ch. 54/55, and best practice standards.
• Prepares investigative reports, comprehensive evaluations, protective placement reviews and other court paperwork to be submitted to Probate Court and Corporation Counsel.
• Participate in clinical supervision and case reviews as per DHS 34.
• Communicates and collaborates with representatives of law enforcement agencies to ensure consumer protection advocacy and prosecution of perpetrators.
• Educates local community service providers on elder abuse by providing information upon request or making presentations.
• Serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to address the needs of elderly and disabled clients and participates in meetings when needed.
• Prioritize and organize time to manage assigned caseload in equitable manner.
• Complete and coordinate appropriate and timely medical record documentation, which may include assessments, follow-up contacts, crisis plans, administrative, demographic, insurance, and financial information.
• Communicate timely and effectively with Probate Court, Corporation Counsel, Public Defender and legal community that deals with and serves the consumer population.
• Represent Racine County Human Services Department at WI Ch. 54/55 hearings.
• Make intervention and assessment decisions using the “Best Practice” philosophy.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.

Supervision Received: Receives supervision from the APS Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services, psychology, or related degree is required.
• Master’s degree in social work or counseling is preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience providing mental health or crisis services preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and automobile insurance are required.
• Prompt and regular attendance.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Chapters 34, 51, 54, 55 and Mental Health.
• Ability to respond to crises and to make appropriate assessments as to resolution.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to interact professionally with clients who may be challenging and potentially hostile.
• Ability to think critically and problem-solve while completing assessments and developing safety plans with consumers.
• Ability to work well with treatment team and community members.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to effectively manage your time, prioritize duties, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient use of computers and technology.
• Interacts with the public in a professional manner.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds and walk up and down stairs.

This description has been prepared to assist in properly evaluating various classes of responsibilities, skills, working conditions, etc., present in the classification. It is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and characteristic levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities. Nor is it intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.