Adult Protective Service Worker

The Adult Protective Services (APS) Worker provides protective services to vulnerable adults age 18 and older with disabilities and adults age 60 and older who are at risk of or experiencing abuse, neglect, self‑neglect, or financial exploitation. This position is responsible for receiving and investigating reports, conducting assessments, providing case management, coordinating services, and implementing protective interventions in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 46.90, 51, 54, and 55.

The APS Worker balances the duty to protect client safety with respect for individual rights and self‑determination, utilizing the least restrictive interventions possible. The position works extensively with courts, law enforcement, healthcare providers, residential facilities, and community partners, and serves as part of the Aging and Disability Resource Center’s trauma‑informed approach to safeguarding vulnerable adults.

The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Receive, screen, and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, self‑neglect, and financial exploitation involving adults age 18 and older with disabilities and adults age 60 and older, in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 46.90, 51, 54, and 55.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of vulnerable adults’ health, safety, functional capacity, risk factors, and support systems through interviews, collateral contacts, records review, and in‑home visits, including unannounced visits when required.
• Balance the duty to protect the safety of vulnerable adults with respect for competent adults’ rights to self‑determination, applying least restrictive interventions consistent with individual abilities, preferences, and statutory requirements.
• Provide ongoing case management services, including development and implementation of individualized case plans, coordination of services, monitoring outcomes, and adjustment of interventions as client needs and/or circumstances change.
• Maintain a caseload of clients with complex personal, medical, mental health, cognitive, and/or socio‑economic challenges, ensuring timely response to safety concerns and protective service needs.
• Conduct Chapter 55 emergency protective placements as necessary, coordinating with law enforcement, emergency medical services, hospitals, crisis services, examining physicians, family care providers, and Corporation Counsel to ensure appropriate care and placement.
• Complete comprehensive evaluations for protective placement and annual Watts reviews, including preparation, filing, and tracking of time‑sensitive court documents; explanation of rights and responsibilities; scheduling hearings; coordinating medical evaluations; and notifying interested parties.
• Provide guardianship services and court‑related functions, including preparation of petitions, reports, affidavits, and testimony; collaboration with Assistant Corporation Counsel and probate court staff; and ongoing communication with guardians and care teams.
• Maintain consistent communication with law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, hospitals, residential facilities, courts, and other County departments to support investigations, protective interventions, and legal proceedings.
• Make appropriate referrals to law enforcement or prosecutorial authorities and provide documentation and support for criminal or civil investigations when indicated.
• Serve as a member of the Sheboygan County Interdisciplinary Team (I‑Team), participating in coordinated responses to complex abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases.
• Provide information, referrals, and linkage to community resources, programs, and services to address client needs, including healthcare, housing, financial assistance, mental health services, long‑term care, and protective supports.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources, state and local programs, and service systems, and educate clients, families, caregivers, and providers regarding…