Protective Services Worker

POSITION SUMMARY:

Receive and investigate reports of elder abuse and self-neglect.  Provide consultation and referrals as necessary.  Complete comprehensive assessments of the elder's needs, risks and capacity to make decisions.  Provide problem-focused, goal-oriented, short-term casework/counseling interventions to elders determined to be suffering from a reportable condition of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and/or self-neglect. Ensure all documentation is entered into Harmony APS computer software in accordance with protective service regulations and agency policies.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Receive case assignment of elder abuse and self-neglect and consult with PS Supervisor, as necessary for clarifications and directions.
2. Complete comprehensive assessment of assigned case within 30 calendar days from date of referral.
3. An emergency report will be responded to within 5 hours.  Rapid Response reports within 24 hours. Non-emergency reports within 5 days.
4. Assess elder's capacity to consent to Protective Services. 
5. Contact relevant collaterals, as necessary.
6. Consult with supervisor throughout investigation and on case opening.
7. Continually assess and document elder’s level of risk and Capacity.
8. Meet weekly, or more frequently if needed, with designated PS Supervisor to review cases, discuss case determinations, risk assessments, and changes in consumer status.
9. Complete all case documentation as required by EOEA and CBES policies and procedures. 
10. Develop a Service Plan with PS Supervisor, and review with elder for consent, when appropriate.
    1. Develop and implement a service plan to which the elder has consented. 
    2. Research, locate, and match services to elder's needs and preferences utilizing the least restrictive, appropriate intervention. 
    3. Enter written service plan into APS with timely revisions as required.
11. Participate in 24-hour on call coverage as scheduled.
12. Participate in receipt of intakes and entering intakes into APS in a timely manner. 
13. Represent the agency in external meetings as required, including statewide EOEA Meetings.
    1. Participate in regional and statewide PS meetings as necessary.
    2. Initiate and present PS community education trainings as necessary.
14. Participate in relevant agency and EOEA trainings and keep informed of EOEA regulations and guidelines as necessary.
15. Attend and contribute to department and Agency staff meetings.
16. Protect consumers’ Personal Health Information (PHI) and report any suspected security breaches.
17. Perform all services in accordance with state and federal regulations, and CBES policies and procedures.
18. Other duties as assigned.

 EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

1. A Master’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing or gerontology plus at least one year of experience in counseling, casework, or case management preferably in a Protective Services, domestic violence or crisis intervention capacity; OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, or gerontology plus at least two years’ experience in counseling, casework or case management providing protective, domestic violence or crisis intervention services.
2. Prior experience working with elders preferred; sensitivity to elder issues required.
3. Must demonstrate strong assessment skills.
4. Effective client advocacy skills and the ability to empower elders as well as people with disabilities in improving the quality of their lives.
5. Knowledge of Home Care and MassHealth Programs, as well as other community resources and basic knowledge of gerontology issues preferred.
6. Strong written, interpersonal, and presentation skills that convey a positive attitude and build relationships with clients and coworkers in an urban, multi-ethnic and racially diverse environment.
7. Must be organized and detail oriented, possess strong time management and priority settings skills with the ability to handle diverse responsibilities and to work independently with minimal supervision. 
8. Strong computer knowledge, skilled in Microsoft office programs, and proficient typing.
9. ASAP and EOEA documentation experience preferred.
10. Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

• Ability to lift and carry objects frequently weighing up to 10 to 15 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to travel to the community to perform visits at consumers’ home.
• Work requires regularly standing, stooping, and bending.