Protective Services Worker – Adult Protective Services

Protective Services Worker – Adult Protective Services

Protective Services Workers (PSW) in the Adult Protective Services (APS) series respond to reports of elder and dependent adult abuse. Under general supervision by the APS program, the PSW performs professional investigations and case management services to victims of abuse, evaluates risk, and orchestrates ongoing services to protect victims.

• Conduct unannounced visits to see elders and dependent adults in their living environment.
• Investigate allegations and conduct a risk assessment through interviewing the victim, family, relatives, neighbors, and others to assess for immediacy.
• Arrange for immediate protective interventions and emergency services as necessary, including medical assessments, emergency shelter, or in‑home protection.
• Gather, document, and review important financial, personal, and confidential information, and write investigative reports, findings, and service plan notes.
• Conduct a needs assessment for clients in need of protective services.
• Develop a Service Plan and organize the initial care plan as appropriate, including supported decision‑making activities.
• Provide counseling for clients and significant others to alleviate identified problems and implement the service plan to restore optimum social functioning and health.
• Monitor the Service Plan and follow up through field visits and telephone contacts until the service goals are achieved.
• Assist with multidisciplinary team meetings with healthcare providers, hospitals, and the Public Health/Mental Health Department, and other City agencies.
• Design interventions in collaboration with medical professionals, social service providers, law enforcement, or other relevant systems.
• Provide education to individuals and agencies on the role and authority of APS.
• Conduct public presentations about casework in a confidential, multidisciplinary setting; collaborate and cooperate with the community and the CCSF partner agencies.
• Use a personal computer to prepare, review, and maintain records, correspondence, and reports; manage case documentation in an APS database.

Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE‑accredited program, or a Master’s Degree from a two‑year accredited counseling program (e.g., Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Counseling Psychology) with a supervised field placement.

Experience: Two semesters of graduate field placement providing direct services to elders or dependent adults, or six months post‑baccalaureate professional experience providing direct services in APS or related fields. Applicants who will receive their Master’s degree by the end of the current semester may request placement on an eligible list pending verification of the required education and experience.

Other requirements: Provide a copy of Master’s Degree diploma or transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable) when applying.

The position requires night, weekend, and holiday work on a limited basis; driving within San Francisco and occasionally outside city limits; vehicle entry and exit; stair climbing; lifting up to 30 pounds; and visual assessments of elders and dependent adults and their home environments.

All positions require possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a clear Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Entry level

Full‑time

General Business and Administrative;
Government Administration and Individual and Family Services