Adult Protective Worker

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Preventative & Protective Services is seeking an Adult Protective Worker (Social Worker
3) to join our team!

This Adult Protective Worker will conduct assessments of allegations of abuse or neglect of dependent adults in the Calhoun, Pocahantas, Humbolt, Wright, Hamilton, Hardin counties. This may change due to caseloads or staffing assignments. This vital frontline position requires multi-tasking and the ability to gather physical and documentary evidence and analyze information with accuracy and efficiency to assist in protecting the most vulnerable Iowans.

This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday with typical hours being from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM with overtime as needed. This position may work from the nearest HHS full time office or from their home and will travel on a regular basis to conduct the assessments of allegations within the counties mentioned above. The need for supporting other counties in the area may arise.

Mileage is paid at $0.50/mile travelled according to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) State Accounting Enterprise Procedures. Compensation is commensurate with experience and education.

• Assess the ongoing risk to the Dependent Adult, develop safety plans, assess the strengths, and needs of the Dependent Adult and family, and make recommendations to various county attorneys and courts.
• Frequent interaction with law enforcement, medical/mental health community partners, schools, etc.
• This position requires the ability to apply Iowa Code, agency policy, and sound professional judgment to highly complex situations involving crises and or chronic abuse or neglect.
• All cases assigned to persons in this position require home visits, detailed interviews, and thorough narrative documentation.
• Troubleshoots problematic situations to find innovative solutions to present to administration and the supervisor. Confronts crisis situations and high stress situations in a calm and orderly manner maintaining confidential information as required by the agency and assuring safety is a top priority for all in the office.
• Obtain information from a wide variety of sources, including written materials, telephone conversations and through computer databases and to be able to read and interpret data.
• Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain reasonable facts, data, or other information that analyzes information and correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
• Interacts in a team environment to manage group processes, facilitates, and encourages cooperation pride, trust, and group identity, fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Within an office environment, provides Division support to large segment of agency through managing internal and external requests for information and legislative reviews requiring comprehension of request, independent judgment to assign and adherence to agency formatting of timely response or communication. Interact with employees and customers in a positive customer service manner to resolve problems and answer customer inquiries. Customer contacts may include correspondence, telephone, or walk-ins to the local office.
• This position will be required to work or be on standby during nights and weekends on a rotational basis.

• Strong observational and analytical skills, as well the ability to respectfully engage families as partners in planning for safety and establish a working relationship with families.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills and the ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner.
• The ability to develop case plans, use critical thinking skills, prioritize work and work under pressure.
• The ability to use independent judgement to make sound decisions, demonstrate integrity and confidentiality and a strong work ethic.

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