Adult Protective Services Case Worker

Adult Protective Services Case Worker, Older Adult Care, Mercyhealth at Home

Make a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults by investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation in your community. As an APS Case Worker, you'll assess needs, create care plans, and connect clients to vital services while working with a supportive, mission‑driven team.

Rockford, Illinois

Full‑time position. 80 hours over 2 weeks. Monday to Friday Day Shift Hours.

• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan with competitive matching contribution
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement and education assistance programs
• Internal and external employee assistance programs
• Employee‑only discount packages
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves
• On‑demand pay
• Special payment programs for patient services
• Financial education for retirement planning

• Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and/or self‑neglect in accordance with the Illinois Department on Aging's (IDoA) Organization Standards and Responsibilities.
• Interview alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, providers, and other relevant parties.
• Assess client needs, develop case plans, and link clients to resources.
• Monitor the resources and interventions to ensure needs are being met.
• Coordinate follow‑up activities on a monthly basis, evaluating current services and assessing risk for future abuse.
• Complete required paperwork for the IDoA Adult Protective Services program accurately and timely.
• Negotiate difficult family situations with interview/assessment skills and involve the APS Supervisor or Lead Caseworker when appropriate.
• Utilize the court system for judicial procedures such as orders of protection, evictions, and guardian ships, preparing to testify in court as necessary.
• Coordinate with waiver services (e.g., Aging, DHS/DRS, DHS/DDD, MCO) per IDoA policies.
• Participate in monthly M‑Team meetings, presenting cases, providing input, and incorporating recommendations into case plans.
• Participate in staff meetings, including monthly APS meetings, older adult services all‑dept meetings, and all‑agency meetings, offering constructive input.
• Participate in IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities.
• Complete annual educational requirements for both IDoA/APS and Mercyhealth.

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Health or Human Services, Social Work, Health Care Administration, Gerontology, Criminal Justice; RN or equivalent.
• Associate degree from an accredited program in health, nursing, social services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, disability studies, criminal justice, or public administration and four years of experience in health or human services.
• Active licensed practical nurse license with one year of experience in health or human services.
• Four years of experience with law enforcement or criminal investigation.
• Minimum two years of experience assessing needs for older adults (60+ years), or for those 18‑59 with a disability (preferred).
• Ability to negotiate difficult family situations using interview/assessment skills (preferred).
• Attend Illinois Department on Aging Adult Protective Services Caseworker Certification Trainings (Phase I, Simulation Training, Phase II) and pass required exams.
• CPR/BLS certification within six months.
• Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of automobile insurance equal to Illinois state requirements.

Entry level

Full‑time

Other

Hospitals and Health Care