APS INVESTIGATIVE SPECIALIST 2* - 10212025-72233

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, COMM&SOCIAL SRV-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMERFOOD PRG (COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM) DIVISION, SHELBY COUNTY

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0016143_APS_Investigative_Specialist2_Shelby_111025.pdf

This is a hybrid position

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and one year of full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: social services and/or human services case management, gerontology, behavioral counseling, investigations regarding vulnerable persons, psychology, or sociology.

Substitution of Education for Experience: One year of qualifying graduate course work in a related field such as listed above may be substituted for the required experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

1. Complete a criminal background history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
3. Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
4. Submit to a review of and not be listed on the Indicated Persons Registry of the Department of
   Children's Services, Department of Health's vulnerable persons' registry, or the state's sex offender registry;
5. Not have an excludable offense as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. * 71-2-403 and Tenn. Rules & Regs. Ch. 1240-07-10-.09.
6. After appointment, successfully complete (as indicated by an assessment at completion) a prescribed course of training offered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
7. Have reliable transportation and possess a valid driver's license.
8. Be available to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Overview

This classification performs APS investigative work and/or service coordination work of average difficulty. An employee in this class conducts interviews and performs investigations regarding allegations of self-neglect, abuse, exploitation and/or neglect of vulnerable adults, evaluates risk, identifies potential services, and provides counseling for APS clients. This classification performs responsibilities at the working level under general supervision of an APS Team Coordinator. This class differs from the APS Investigative Support Coordinator in that incumbents of the latter are responsible for specialized cases of greater scope and complexity and/or are assigned duties of the Rapid Response Team.

Responsibilities

1. Investigates reported allegations to determine if there is a need for protective services while ensuring client confidentiality is maintained. Understands and applies APS policies and procedures and recognizes the criteria required for APS involvement.
2. Interviews clients, family members, alleged perpetrators, or collateral contacts to gather information then conducts visits to complete program specific assessments to determine needs, strengths, and/or level of risk for clients. Requests, evaluates, and uploads documentation such as educational, medical, psychological, criminal, and/or financial records to assess needs and risks of clients.
3. Analyzes and reviews all information gathered during the assessments to address the client's risk. Creates and implements service plan with client to refer and coordinate external services, addressing the immediate needs of the client, reducing risk of harm, and increasing self-sufficiency.
4. Monitors progress of the client's status and modifies the service plan as needed, documenting all case activities, changes, observations, and other information. Maintains contact with service providers to ensure clients needs are met.
5. Discusses difficult situations with the client, family members, caregivers, collateral contacts, and/or service providers to determine resources or actions needed to reduce client's risk of harm as identified in the service plan.
6. Participates in legal team meetings in preparation of legal interventions that are guided by the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and may be required to testify during legal proceedings and/or in court. Discusses concerns of risk and develops solutions for clients through participation on the VAPIT (Vulnerable Adult Protection Investigation Team) and multi-disciplinary teams.
7. Conducts awareness presentations to provide an overview of the APS program to educate internal and community partners on the capabilities and limitations of the program and how to make a report to APS.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Customer Focus
2. Drives Results
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Demonstrates Self-awareness
5. Situational Adaptability

Knowledges:

1. Customer and Personal Service
2. Psychology

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Complex Problem Solving
3. Judgment and Decision Making
4. Time Management
5. Writing

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Problem Sensitivity
4. Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

1. General Office Equipment
2. Computer/Laptop/Tablet
3. Cell Phone
4. Motor Vehicle