APS Case Worker

Job Code: 21-1021                                                                 Salary: $17.79 - $34.30 

Status:  Full-time, Permanent, Non-exempt                            Location: SSD Administration 

Department: Social Services Division                                     Reports To:  ACPS Program Manager

Telecommute: Yes                                                                Fleet: Yes

SUMMARY:  Under the supervision and direction of the Program Manager, the incumbent will provide protective services and service coordination for any vulnerable adult who may be at risk of abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation. 

Demonstrated abilities will include, assessing safety, abuse/neglect, client strengths and capability, as well as case planning and coordinating services with outside agencies. Incumbent will work with families and the community to promote long term safety and well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Complete and comply with all required SRMT and statewide training, including but not limited to, OCFS APS New Worker Institute, SRMT orientation and SRMT annual trainings.
• Respond to referrals of suspected abuse and neglect in accordance with OCFS regulations.
• Assess clients and their living conditions for safety and/or risk regarding abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
• Solicit and evaluate information concerning indicators of mental capacity and dependency, immediate danger and substantial risk of danger, through interviewing clients and collaterals.
• Investigate abuse, financial exploitation and neglect including self-neglect of vulnerable adults.
• Assess client’s ability and level of self-determination, while promoting the least restrictive alternatives consistent with the client’s needs for services.
• Arrange for support services to include, but not limited to homemaker services, substance abuse treatment, employment training, counseling, and/or services pertaining to appropriate housing.
• Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, and/or financial assistance (provide concrete information such as where to go and how to apply).
• Educate clients about safety and risk pertaining to self, home and financial security.
• Inform client of possible legal interventions toward perpetrator(s) when applicable.
• Make findings based on facts obtained through interviewing client while assessing capacity, dependency, and danger or substantial risk of danger and/or abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.
• Apply and serve as Representative Payee through SSA for any vulnerable adult without a person willing or able to appropriately assist in managing finances for them (may include budgeting and monitoring client’s expenses and assets).
• Record and maintain necessary documentation in Adult Services Automated Project, within the required time period.
• Maintain case files for all Adult Protective Cases in accordance with OCFS standards and agency policies, to include accurate case records of assessments, activities, and service plans.
• Build community relationships and partnerships with other agencies and service providers.
• Attend case conferences and other meetings (Elder Multi-Disciplinary Team) designed to ensure services are appropriately rendered and/or offered to clients.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Accept additional duties as programming needs develop.
• Always promote SRMT in a positive manner. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information and personal files maintained within Social Service Division, we must always maintain strict confidentiality.

EDUCATION and /or EXPERIENCE: 

• Preferred-Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 

OR

• Associate’s degree in human services or related field with a minimum of 3 years previous experience working with a vulnerable population.

OTHER SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES: Strong communication skills, both oral and written; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, community groups and related agencies. Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Must be willing to obtain training continuous to fulfill the requirement for training under OCFS policies.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to express ideas and use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 

Must be 18 years of age, have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driver abstract in accordance with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Fleet Policy. 

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe strives to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the policy of nondiscrimination based on race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, physical disability, veteran status, or any other non-job-related factor. 

The successful candidate must pass a drug test for illegal substance prior to employment being confirmed. 

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check, as well as a State Central Registry Clearance prior to employment.