County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs crisis intervention, investigations, and casework services in response to situations involving adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation; institutes corrective action plans and arranges for protective and supportive services on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Adult Protective Services Workers are located exclusively in the Adult and Aging Services Department of the Social Services Agency. Positions allocated to these classes are distinguished from those in the social work series by the specialized nature of the work focusing on the needs of elders and dependent adults that are in need of protective services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect by responding in the field to referrals, interviewing clients and collateral contacts, analyzing information to develop protective service plans, determine criminal actions that have occurred, preparing investigative reports and collaborating with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office as needed.

2. Evaluates and assesses a client’s level of risk for experiencing abuse or neglect, and establishes a comprehensive service plan that will minimize the current risk and reduce the client’s risk for future incidents of abuse while enhancing the client’s level of independence and well-being.

3. Provides coverage for the Adult Protective Services intake line by taking, documenting, and following up on reports of abuse or neglect that are received over the phone, online, in person or in writing.

4. Coordinates a variety of supportive services such as case management and in-home care on behalf of a client requiring protective services. As needed, may work with the client to facilitate an appropriate out of home placement to ensure the safety and protection of the client.

5. Arranges for the provision of legal services on behalf of a client, as needed.

6. Educates local social service providers and the community regarding elder and dependent adult abuse by providing information when it is requested, or by making presentations to groups in an outreach capacity.

7. Completes detailed case documentation in a timely manner using a customized database.

8. Works collaboratively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with law enforcement, medical professionals, social service providers, legal professionals, the Alameda County Public Administrator/Public Guardian-Conservator, and other professionals in the interest of preventing the abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly and dependent adults.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Education:

Possession of Master’s Degree in Social Welfare, Counseling, Psychology, Gerontology or a related behavioral science, from an accredited college or university, which included a supervised field placement providing social casework and counseling services to dependent adults and families.

And

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience providing ongoing social casework and/or counseling services to the elderly and/or adults with disabilities.

Or II
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience as an Adult Protective Services Worker I in the Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.),

And
Special Requirement:

Recommendation for promotion based on the performance evaluation.

Or III
Education:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree, including 30 semester or 45 quarter units in social/human services, sociology, social welfare, or other behavioral science;


And
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience providing ongoing social casework and/or counseling services to the elderly and/or adults with disabilities.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Crisis intervention techniques and principles.
• Principles of sociology and psychology.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Available community resources and their appropriate utilization.
• Relevant Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and codes.

Ability to:

• Quickly and accurately assess situations encountered.
• Exercise sound judgment in determining courses of action.
• Deal effectively with hostile/aggressive clients and others contacted during the course of work.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TT:Lm h 2/85
RE:lm Revised: 10/96
VS:bl Revised: 2/00
Old document: 1024h.doc
New document: Jobspecs\6760-6765
CSC Date:03/15/00
IB:cs Revised 11/23/15
CSC Date: 1/6/16

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.