Adult Protective Services Investigator

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATOR Job Location

Division of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS), Adult Protective Services (APS)

1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $21.5021 - $22.5962

Grade: 18

Closing Date:
July 14, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video.

Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as an Adult Protective Services (APS) Investigator. This position will be responsible for performing a variety of senior level case investigation related activities involved in providing direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly and/or incapacitated adults 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the department's needs and continual meetings of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Investigating and providing assessment, evaluation and appropriate services of the most complex cases involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited
• Providing case investigation related activities involved in direct and indirect assistance requiring extensive travel in compliance with required time frames
• Determining if services need to be provided
• Writing comprehensive progress notes, case plans, risk assessments, safety assessments and closure summaries
• Maintaining accurate and timely case files
• Providing information and/or in-service to community agencies and the general public
• Referring clients for possible Guardianship and/or Conservatorship to Public Fiduciary or other entities as required
• Providing testimony for case related court appearances
• Facilitating appropriate in-home services and out-of-home placement
• Collaborating with the client, providers, and community resources to deliver appropriate assistance
• Assigning tasks to other team members as necessary and help provide on-the-job training and guidance to new staff
• Requesting, obtaining, reviewing, and analyzing complex financial and medical documents including psychological evaluations
• Meeting and reviewing cases with the Unit Supervisor on a regular basis ensuring compliance and the needs of clients have been met
• Contacting clients in a timely manner
• Interviewing subjects who may have knowledge of the situation
• Consulting Adult Protective Services (APS) Policy and Procedures Manual ensuring actions taken are in compliance with laws and regulations

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state statutes, DES/DAAS regulations, policies and procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment
• Case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., aging and elder rights, psychological abuse, perpetrator characteristics, adult maltreatment, etc.)
• Physical behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental disabilities and/or seriously mentally ill (SMI) and frail elderly
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental and psychological symptoms
• Statewide community resources
• Judicial system as it relates to the appointment of Guardian/Conservator

Skills In:

• Oral and written communication and active listening
• Time management and organization
• Accurately inputting information
• Critical thinking
• Conducting interviews
• Conflict resolution techniques
• Using a variety of computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, automated client file, etc.)

Ability to:

• Handle callers and clients in a professional, calm manner eliciting information quickly and efficiently while being discrete
• Quickly assess, prioritize, and process reports as they are received
• Write clear, concise and accurate reports including composition, spelling, and grammar
• Effectively deal with irate or hostile customers or reporters

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field OR
• One (1) year of experience providing professional Case Management /…