It is the responsibility of the Protective Services Worker (PSW) to investigate Reports of Need for protective services in a thorough and timely manner as described and mandated in the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA).

The PSW is charged with assessing a consumer's imminent risk for stated allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation within the Report of Need and as defined within the law. In the course of the investigation, should other concerns regarding the consumer be identified, those concerns must be fully investigated.

Investigation is conducted with a face-to-face interview of the consumer, and with interviews of collateral contacts. Proper notifications and thorough documentation are critical to the investigation.

When Protective Services intervention is needed to protect a consumer from imminent risk, assessment of needs and coordination of services are conducted. Legal intervention is sought as necessary. The PSW works in concert with the Supervisor 1 throughout this process.

At the conclusion of the case, the PSW will determine the allegations on the Report of Need either substantiated or unsubstantiated.

The PSW will be responsible to provide telephone coverage, by handling incoming calls to the protective services hotline, and complete Reports of Need, as warranted.

• Receives protective services Reports of Need. Meets with consumers, interviews collateral contacts, and makes proper notifications in order to conduct a thorough protective services investigation in a timely fashion and in accordance with regulatory guidelines;
• Coordinates a multidisciplinary assessment, of consumer's needs to determine the ongoing plan of care utilizing the least restrictive resources to secure consumer's reduced risk;
• Completes precise and thorough documentation within required time frames as dictated by State and local guidelines;
• Provides coverage for the protective services hotline and completes Reports of Need;
• Attends trainings and maintains a working knowledge of programs and services for which consumers are eligible;
• Performs other duties, as required, to maintain office functioning. These may include all other direct service roles. When other direct service roles are performed standards and guidelines for these positions are met.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Skills

One year of experience in public or private social work and a bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college-level credit hours in sociology, social work/social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences; OR a bachelor's degree with a social work/social welfare major; OR an equivalent combination of experience and training including successful completion of 12 college-level credit hours in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences.

Physical Requirements

They must be able to drive to various appointments throughout Montgomery County on a regular basis.

They must be able to carry a laptop to meet with consumers in order to assess their needs.

They must be able to sit for extended periods of time in order to complete extensive case record documentation. Case documentation is done via a computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to sit, stand and walk for moderate periods of time. Ability to work in all weather conditions. Occasionally may be required to do Medium Level and/or Heavy Level physical work that would include reaching, walking, pushing, pulling and lifting.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.