Protective Services Case Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$26.57 - $39.86 Hourly
$55,273 - $82,909 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C7
Posting Details
The Aging and Long-Term Services Department provides accessible, integrated services to older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers to assist them in maintaining their independence, dignity, autonomy, health, safety, and economic well-being, thereby empowering them to live on their own terms in their own communities as productively as possible. Adult Protective Services investigations collect and assess information to determine whether the reported incident of adult abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect occurred. Investigations assess the immediate safety of the adult and the ability of the individual to self-protect and/or the caregiver's ability to protect the adult; also, to assess whether the adult remains at risk for continued abuse, neglect, or exploitation and self-neglect. Finally, assess the need for services, including short-term protective services.
Interviews are expected to be conducted within two (2) weeks of the closing date.
Applications submitted without work experience or a current resume will not be considered. If attaching a resume, resume must include dates of employment for each job and details of job duties.
Please visit our website: New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department | Official Site - New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department - ALTSD
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to fulfill the State of New Mexico's statutory mandate to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving vulnerable adults. The APS Investigative Caseworker conducts timely investigations, evaluates safety and capacity, and coordinates protective interventions to reduce risk, stabilize crises, and support adults in the least restrictive environment possible.
How does it get done?
The position performs investigative and case management functions to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of vulnerable adults served by Adult Protective Services
* Conduct investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation in accordance with APS policies, regulations, and statutory requirements.
* Develop and implement service plans through ongoing case management to address identified risks, stabilize situations, and support client safety and well-being.
* Interview alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, service providers, and other collateral contacts to obtain relevant information and assess circumstances.
* Gather, analyze, and document information necessary to complete thorough investigations, including planning, organizing, and coordinating investigative activities.
* Assess client needs, safety concerns, risk factors, and living conditions to determine immediate and ongoing safety.
* Determine client eligibility for APS services using established program guidelines and coordinate referrals to community resources and partner agencies as appropriate.
* Make recommendations regarding interventions, protective actions, and placement options consistent with the least restrictive and person-centered approach.
* Monitor client progress and evaluate present and future service needs through active case management and follow-up during an active investigation.
* Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation of all case activities and contacts within the APS Case Management System in accordance with procedural requirements.
Who are the customers?
Work is performed for vulnerable adults age 18 and older to conduct timely investigation of maltreatment allegations and delivery of protective and case management services consistent with APS statutes and program requirements.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, civility, and respect in all interactions. They must communicate openly, honestly, and thoroughly, and possess strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. The candidate should exhibit resilience and empathy, have a deep understanding of the legal and social issues affecting the client population, and be able to perform effectively in high-pressure and emotionally challenging situations.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, and/or Family Studies/Services and two (2) years of any combination of experience including working with communities, working on health or social service related matters, social work/case management experience, behavioral health, and/or health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, and must have own mode of transportation for daily client-related travel. Personal vehicle and operation of it must be in compliance with all applicable State of New Mexico statutes and regulations. Pre-employment background investigation is required, and extensive statewide travel is required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting, client home or institutions. Risk of injury from hostile clients is possible. Travel in the applicant's personal vehicle may be required. State vehicle travel usage may be required, upon attaining and sustaining credentials to operate such vehicle. This position does require a rotation of on-call responsibilities. The position mayr equire climbing multiple flights of stairs, navigating tight or confined spaces, and entering homes or environments that may contain potential hazards.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Juanita Washington (505) 469-3806 or Email: juanita.washington@altsd.nm.gov Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.