POSITION SUMMARY:  Investigate Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation cases, prepare documentation of casework, and follow-up as prescribed by the Illinois Department on Aging for older adults and adults with disabilities.                                       

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education Requirements:
  1. Master’s Degree in health, social services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, disability studies, criminal justice or public administration; OR
  1. Registered Nursing license, or a B.S.N. or a B.A./B.S. in health, social sciences, social work, health care administration, gerontology, or criminal justice and one year experience in health or human services; OR
• Interested in needs and welfare of older adults.
• Ability to relate to older persons.
• Ability to relate to staff in a professional manner
• Positive cooperative attitude.
• Ability to assess needs of vulnerable adults.
• Willingness to serve as an advocate for client’s rights.
• Willingness to travel while on the job.
• Possess a valid driver’s license in the state of Illinois.
• Access to a vehicle in good mechanical condition and maintain insurance.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to keep records and independently manage time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive APS report intakes in accordance with IDOA guidelines.
• Conduct investigation of APS cases in accordance with IDOA guidelines.
• Provide assessment of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reports (ANE/SN). Conduct face to face assessments of reported cases, determine substantiated cases, refer substantiated cases for necessary support services, and refer criminal conduct to law enforcement in accordance of IDOA guidelines. Determine the need for Early Intervention Services (EIS).
• Maintain complete and detailed case notes. This includes documentation of all client contacts, follow-up and of termination of services.
• Maintain all required department records and complete forms accurately and in a timely manner.
• Complete APS follow-up casework.
• Prepare for annual monitoring of case files.
• Attend appropriate seminars, trainings, and workshops.
• Attend annual Adult Protective Services Conference.
• Keep abreast of current information and practices.
• Work closely with CCP case managers on mutual client cases.
• Utilize information and assistance function whenever appropriate to link clients to needs, services, and benefits.
• Participate in departmental projects including Adult Protective Services (APS), Community Care Program (CCP), Managed Care Organizations (MCO), Caregiver Programs and other special projects.
• Assess client needs including physical, social, health and environmental needs and how these interact by completing in-home assessments.
• Connect individuals to available services and programs in their community which they may qualify.
• Encourage and assist persons to gain access to needed services, including:
  1. Make referrals and provide on-going follow-ups to ensure services are in place.
  1. Assist in completing all necessary forms for state and federal benefit programs
  1. Advocate on behalf of client to gain access to benefit programs.
• Advocate for clients in problem situations, including representing clients in court proceedings, and makes all attempts to meet client’s needs including through alternate resources.
• Accept case assignments as given with due consideration to case load, mileage, and time guidelines.
• Attend necessary training as provided by the Illinois Department on Aging.
• Adhere to federal and state guidelines, policies, and deadlines. 
• Participate in case conferences, case planning and implementation.
• Assess clients for eligibility for access to additional programs.
• Complete daily confidential charting for clients.
• Participate in quality reviews.
• Coordinate with other agencies as needed.
• Cultivate community liaison relationships.
• Expand the service resource network.
• Keep statistical client data necessary for appropriate records and reports to manager.
• Follow agency policies and procedures.
• Project good image for agency.
• Maintain credibility and integrity of organization.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.