Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes Arizona stronger by helping Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance for those in need, and care for the vulnerable? The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
Do you have a desire to support the vulnerable? Adult Protective Services (APS) seeks individuals to join our team as an APS Field Investigator. As an investigator, you will investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults (those unable to defend themselves), 18 years of age or older. This is an ideal position for someone who is highly motivated, has problem solving and decision-making skills, enjoys working independently in the field, and can provide comfort and resources to those who need help. You will interact with adults and family members in their home or care facilities and coordinate with external partners that range from caregivers, medical personnel, police, public fiduciaries, the public, and others in the course of your investigations. If you are passionate about protecting the most vulnerable adults in Arizona, we want you on our team! Please review the video to learn more about the APS Investigator's role and responsibilities - https://vimeo.com/408184827
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- Investigates, assesses, evaluates, documents, and provides referral of appropriate services for investigations involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected and/or exploited.
- Determines if there is a need for protective and/or social services.
- Makes time sensitive contacts with client and interviews anyone who may have information regarding the situation.
- Writes various assessments and summaries regarding the case.
- Requests and analyzes documents to support the investigation process, including medical and police records.
- Physical and behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental disabilities or seriously mentally ill and frail elderly
- Case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., elder rights, psychological abuse, adult maltreatment, etc.)
- Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms
Skills in:
- Oral and written communication
- Time management and organization
- Critical thinking
- Using computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, etc.)
Ability to:
- Learn, understand and apply Federal and state statutes, APS regulations, policies and procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment
- Write clear, concise, and accurate reports
- Quickly assess, prioritize, and process report cases when received
- Handle clients in a professional, calm manner eliciting information quickly and efficiently
- Requires Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Justice Studies, Gerontology or closely related field; OR
- 1 year of experience as a Human Service Specialist 1 in AZ state government; OR
- 2 years’ experience providing professional case management/investigation services (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation); OR
- 2 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, Assistant Nurse, CNA, EMT, or LPN.
- If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
- All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
- A.R.S. 41-1969 Each employee or contractor of the Department of Economic Security who has access to federal tax information shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1758.07.
- Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
- Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
- Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
- Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
- Deferred compensation plan
- Wellness plans
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Stipend Opportunities
- Infant at Work Program
- Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
- Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
- Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.
For questions about this career opportunity, please call Brenda Cruz at (480) 493-9033 or email DAASHR@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Brenda Cruz at (480) 493-9033 or email DAASHR@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
