Case Worker, Adult Protective Services

OVERVIEW: Investigates and responds to reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect while assessing client needs and coordinating appropriate services and resources. Maintains case documentation, conducts follow-ups, collaborates with providers and multidisciplinary teams, and completes required court, training, and program activities.

Conducts investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and/or self-neglect within the specified time frame as set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging's (IDOA) Organization Standards and Responsibilities. Interviews alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, providers and other collaterals as required. Provides Case Work activities for clients and families: assesses client needs, develops a case plan and links clients to resources. Monitors the resources/interventions put in place to ensure needs are being met. Provides follow-up activities on a monthly basis which includes coordinating care/services for the client, evaluating if current services are sufficient and assessing the risk for future abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation or self-neglect issues. Completes the paperwork required by the IDoA Adult Protective Services program accurately and in a timely manner. Negotiates difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills and involves the APS Supervisor or Lead Caseworker when appropriate. Utilizes the court system for judicial procedures such as Orders of Protection, Evictions, Guardianships or the like. Prepares the case and oneself to testify in court as necessary. Coordinates with Waiver services such as Aging, DHS/DRS, DHS/DDD, MCO and the like per IDoA policies. Participates in monthly M-Team meetings by presenting a case when scheduled to do so, offering constructive input to the group and incorporating recommendations in the Client's case plan when appropriate. In addition, the APS Caseworker will take minutes when assigned and turn these in to the APS Supervisor or other designated staff within two weeks after the meeting. Participates in Staff meetings: monthly APS meetings, monthly Older Adult Services all-dept meetings, as well as all-agency meetings, offering constructive input when appropriate. Participates in IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities. Completes annual required educational requirements for both IDoA/APS and Mercyhealth. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Bachelor's or Graduate Degree in health or human services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, criminal justice, or nursing. OR An associate degree from an accredited program in health, nursing, social services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, disability studies, criminal justice or public administration and four years' experience in health or human services. OR An active licensed practical nurse license, with one year experience in health or human services OR Four years' experience with law enforcement or criminal investigation OR An approved waiver of educational requirements for intake workers and case aides through the IDoA AND Minimum three years of experience with assessment of needs for older adults (60+years) or those 18-59 who have a disability, preferred. The ability to negotiate difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills preferred. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Must attend Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Adult Protective Services Caseworker Certification Trainings Phase I, Simulation Training and Phase II and pass the test, as well as any other mandatory training as required by IDoA. Current CPR certification; or obtain through Mercyhealth within 6 months of hire.