DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Address: 11518 East Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona 85120

Salary: $21.5021 - $22.5962 Hourly 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
Do you have a desire to support the vulnerable and have passion for the developmentally disabled community? Adult Protective Services (APS) seeks individuals to join our team as an APS Field Investigator – Development Disabilities Focused to support investigations involving those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. As an investigator, you will investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults (those unable to defend themselves), 18 years of age or older. This is an ideal position for someone who is highly motivated, has problem solving and decision-making skills, enjoys working independently in the field, and can provide comfort and resources to those who need help. You will interact with adults and family members in their home or care facilities and coordinate with external partners that range from caregivers, medical personnel, police, public fiduciaries, the public, and others in the course of your investigations. If you are passionate about protecting the most vulnerable adults in Arizona, we want you on our team! Please review the video to learn more about the APS Investigator's role and responsibilities https://vimeo.com/408184827.
This position offers the opportunity for incremental pay increases as follows:
Pay during 9 Week New Investigator Training: $21.5021 hourly
Successful completion of 9-week New Investigator Training: $22.5962 hourly
After one (1) year of APS Investigator service: $24.1106 hourly
After two (2) years of APS Investigator service: $25.9616 hourly

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Investigates, assesses, evaluates, documents, and provides referral of appropriate services for the most complex case investigations involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected and/or exploited.
● Determines if there is a need for protective and/or social services for individuals residing in adult developmental homes (ADH), group homes, intermediate care facilities (ICF), Arizona Training Program Coolidge (ATPC) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF).
● Makes time sensitive contacts with clients and interviews anyone who may have information regarding the situation.
● Writes various assessments and summaries regarding the case.
● Analyzes a variety of complex documents including individual service plans (ISP) and behavioral treatment plans (BTP).

Knowledge of:
● Physical and behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental
disabilities or seriously mentally ill and frail elderly
● Case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., elder rights,
psychological abuse, adult maltreatment, etc.)
● Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and
psychological symptoms

Skill in:
● Oral and written communication
● Time management and organization
● Critical thinking
● Using computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, etc.)

Ability to:
● Understand and apply Federal and state statutes, APS regulations, policies and
procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment.
● Write clear, concise, and accurate reports.
● Quickly assess, prioritize, and process report cases when received.
● Handle clients and callers in a professional, calm manner eliciting information
quickly and efficiently.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
● Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation,
Healthcare, or closely related field OR
● 1 year of experience providing professional case management/investigation services (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation)

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Francine Halle at 602-723-2662 or fhalle@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Francine Halle at 602-723-2662 or fhalle@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.