PROTECTIVE SERVICES SPECIALIST

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, to conduct assessments of individuals' medical, psycho-social, financial and environmental status in order to develop and implement the most appropriate service plan to meet identified needs; to investigate abuse/neglect complaints and protective service referrals; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Protective Services Specialist is a specialized classification used in the Human Services Department. This classification is primarily oriented to conducting comprehensive assessments in order to identify the types and level of services needed by clients, and to investigating and following-up on any complaints and allegations of client abuse/neglect.

This class differs from the Case Managers series which provides a variety of direct case management services to clients. The Protective Services Specialist is also distinguished from the Mental Health Specialist series which is primarily focused on providing mental health clinical services that include therapeutic intervention, and diagnostic treatment, planning and evaluation.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited:

Interviews and conducts comprehensive diagnostic assessments to determine clients' medical, psycho-social, financial and environmental status; analyzes assessment information in order to develop and implement service plans to meet clients' specific needs.
Contacts family members/collaterals, interested parties and community agencies to obtain relevant information regarding the client or applicant, or to inform those contacted about the professional recommendations; provides supportive counseling to resolve problems which impact the delivery of services; participates with agency staff in determining the most appropriate placement for clients referred for services.
Conducts, investigates and follows-up on abuse/neglect complaints, protective service referrals and involuntary commitments as required; maintains records and documents action taken; testifies in court or at hearings regarding professional assessments, agency decisions or negative findings.
Provides consultation and technical assistance to agency staff, community service providers, and residential care providers; serves as training resource for staff and other community agencies; conducts public speaking or formal presentation engagements.
Performs diagnostic assessments and investigations to establish need for guardianship/conservatorship; counsels parties involved on ramification of plan; implements plan with attorney; monitors progress of guardianship/conservatorship.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of: Accepted techniques and principles used in conducting diagnostic assessments; principles, methods and techniques of group and individual casework methods; community resources; general principles of gerontology, mental health, mental retardation or mental/emotional dysfunctioning; investigative techniques required for gathering, evaluating and transmitting sensitive information.

Knowledge of: Laws and regulations regarding involuntary commitments, protective services and guardianship/conservatorship.

Skill to: Develop and implement appropriate service plans for clients with diverse needs; interview clients, applicants and collaterals to gather data needed in assessing specific needs of clients; apply assessment methods, practices and techniques relating to the specific needs of a diverse group of clients; establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and other social service professionals; maintain accurate and concise records; prepare and present concise, convincing written reports; plan and organize an assigned caseload; understand and interpret human behavior, procedures, regulations, legal implications of program services to clients; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties include exposure to environmental factors and unpleasant living conditions and behaviors.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in human, social, behavioral, or criminal science and two years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience OR an Associate’s Degree in human, social, behavioral or criminal science and four years of human services, law enforcement, or investigative experience. (OAR, Chapter 411)

Within the first year of hire, must attend and pass core competency training and demonstrate competency after completion of core competency training. (OAR Chapter 411)

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.