Human Service Worker - Adult Protective Services

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Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.
 

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Posting will expire on Sunday, April 21st, 2024 or upon receipt of 50 applicant submissions

JOB SUMMARY:  The Human Service Worker (HSW) for Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible for assessing and evaluating the allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities ages 18 and up. Comprehensive evaluation includes determination of risk factors, competency, assessing validity of allegations, and determining whether allegations are substantiated per WI Administrative Code Chapter 55.

JOB DUTIES:

• Interview individuals alleging maltreatment, assess/determine safety of victim, determine disposition of allegations. Investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation. Take corrective action, coordinate with collateral contacts family, case managers, lawyers.
• Communicate with clients, family members and other interested parties to gather social, functional, physical, and mental information for evaluation. Make referrals to Publicly Funded Long Term Care and/or other community services, as appropriate.
• Evaluate situations based on facts, incapacitation, crisis, danger. Remove clients from primary residence, admit them into emergency living environments and/or other community services appropriate for their current needs.
• Communicate with medical providers to arrange medical and psychiatric examinations or treatment for clients.
• Document case activities from the investigation and other interested parties and recommend next steps for client safety and well-being.
• Prepare court documents and attend court hearings to testify, as needed. Make recommendations for case disposition.
• Participate in staff development programs, including in-service training, staff meetings, and professional seminars to maintain standards and current best practices. Serve on related work groups, projects, committees and/or community projects, as assigned.
• Travel at least 50% of work time to client households and within the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a current resident of the State of Wisconsin
• Current Wisconsin Driver's License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; both maintained throughout employment.
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Social Work or in a closely related field is REQUIRED.
• At least one (1) year of experience working in Adult Protective Services case management or in a closely related direct service position is required.
• Proficient at using a personal computer and standard office equipment.
• Able and willing to travel to client households and within the community at least 50% of work time.
• Background in Medical Social Work is preferred.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Disabilities Services Division policies and procedures; knowledge of WI Administrative Code Chapter 55 regulations and statutory requirements; case management skills; work as a team-supporting other APS staff members in the unit; oral, written, and effective communication skills; problem solving skills; decision making skills; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others including those who have allegedly abuse d adults in their care. The ability to maintain a balance of objectivity and empathy while interacting with individuals living in stressful or crisis situations.

NOTE:  This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.