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!

Safeguarding the vulnerable: Empowering elderly and disabled adults through dedicated protective services against abuse and neglect.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

In this position you will provide adult protective services to vulnerable adults who are elderly or disabled.  The Adult Protective Service Specialist receives referrals, determines the need for and investigates alleged incidents of adult abuse or neglect.  Situations may involve physical abuse, neglect and abandonment, sexual abuse, psychological and verbal abuse, financial exploitation and other types of self-neglect.

Major duties include:

• Investigate complaints of abuse or neglect. Plan the scope and direction of the investigation. Interview the alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and witnesses. Review documents and records such as medical or financial records. Construct and organize evidence. Collect and analyze physical and documentary evidence. Apply administrative statutes, administrative rules, and facility regulations regarding abuse to investigative situations and determine a finding.
• Evaluate evidence and address issues that arise during the investigation. Determine relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information and evidence. Decide when appropriate to refer to law enforcement personnel.
• Write investigative reports that include summary of evidence and witness statements, conclusions, and recommended action in accordance with DHS rules and policies. Input information into various databases and electronic systems.
• Provide investigative information on criminal cases when needed. Testify in court, before grand juries, trials, and hearings. Give sworn depositions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be subjected to verbal abuse and assaultive threats made by angry and hostile individuals. Occasional subpoenas and court requirements on short notice. This is a flexible work schedule position with a normal workday of 8 hours.

Must be able to drive to and meet individuals in their own homes, other community settings, nursing homes, hospitals or other care settings.  Requires some out of town or overnight travel for training and cases.  In rural areas this may be a daily requirement.  May involve driving in inclement conditions.

Potential exposure to illness and disease through direct contact with clients. May be exposed to unsanitary conditions.  Work closely with individuals who may have difficulty receiving, processing or verbalizing information necessary to make informed choices or decisions.

NOTE: ​The Aging and People with Disabilities, District 10 has 5 offices located in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras.  The work location will be determined by the successful candidate’s preference.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences AND two years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience.
• Three years professional level experience related to the position may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

OR

• An associate degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences AND four years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience.
• Eighteen (18) months professional level experience related to the position may substitute for the Associate.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Experience preparing clear and concise case narratives, case plans, or written reports that include a conclusion and recommended action.
• Experience identifying the social and medical care needs of others based on gathered information.
• Experience applying regulations, policies and procedures to protective service situations through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach
• Experience using critical thinking skills to make quick decisions.

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.

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. Additional background check information.
• 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 permanent, 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 ADA.DHS@dhsoha.state.or.us for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Jennifer Moisa. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition (REQ) number listed at the top of this job post.
• Email: JENNIFER.M.MOISA@odhs.oregon.gov