Adult Protective Services Social Caseworker III

Provide protective services to at‑risk adults through investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. The caseworker in this position assists at‑risk adults to reside safely in the community, in the least restrictive setting, while protecting their life, dignity, and independence; promoting self‑determination, and encouraging maximum self‑sufficiency.

• Investigates assigned reports of mistreatment and self‑neglect and assesses client’s needs through home visits, interviews with client, suspected perpetrator(s), family members, neighbors, and friends. Activates emergency and/or urgent safety interventions when needed. Consults with and makes reports to law enforcement as appropriate.
• Develops individual case plans and prepares, completes, and maintains client records according to county, state, and federal requirements. Assists with arrangement of supportive services for client and monitors effectiveness of casework plan. Documents all contacts using APS case files, and all other forms as required by regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Communicates effectively with at‑risk clients, their families, county attorney’s office, and outside agencies. Must be able to work with persons in crisis or who are in a state of panic or hostility. Works closely with eligibility benefits program staff, other sections, and external agencies to share information and to make appropriate referrals. Consults and collaborates with community agencies and professionals, including but not limited to: physicians, attorneys, law enforcement, financial institutions, mental health, developmental disabilities, and zoning and code enforcement.
• Initiates probate proceedings for guardian ships and conservatorships when such have been determined needed by the supervisor, the team, and the county attorney. Prepares paperwork for court, including but not limited to: completing court reports, obtaining doctor letters on competency, and providing documentation of family involvement and interventions.
• Participates in family meetings and testifies in court hearings.
• Participates on the multi-disciplinary team (M-Team) and on various state and local committees. Participates in weekly unit meetings, state and county sponsored trainings, specific adult protection trainings, CBMS trainings, community education, and other activities as required to improve and enhance job performance.
• Provides coverage of adult protection intake duties on rotating basis with other unit staff. These intake duties involve being available during business hours, via phone or in person, to accept reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. Intake duties may involve referrals to law enforcement or other community agencies.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of Colorado Revised Statutes related to the Protection of At‑Risk Adults, the range of protective orders available through the judicial court system, rules and regulations of Volume 30 of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
• Knowledge of disability syndromes (i.e., dementia, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental disabilities, substance abuse, brain injuries, neurological disorders, etc.) and their impact on functioning.
• Knowledge of the practices, principles, and dynamics of adult protection case management and principles of human behavior.
• Ability to determine cognitive capacity and to understand medical diagnoses,…