Advocate 3 (APS Lead

Description

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.

What we offer. Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.

Start your career in public service. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Aging Services - Adult Protective Services, (DAS-APS) is seeking candidates for the position of Advocate 3 (APS Lead Investigator). This position will primarily cover DeKalb County.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Job Description

Pay Grade: I

Under broad supervision, provides assistance to victims in the alleviation of financial, emotional, and physical consequences of victimization. Provides information and referral services and assistance with outreach and public awareness activities. May serve as lead worker.

Role and Responsibilities:

Performs initial investigations of protective service reports for cases meeting APS criteria and determines appropriateness of interventions within a standard of promptness.

Evaluates the level of risk to clients and takes appropriate action to ensure safety.

Provides follow-up, consultations and other applicable resources to stabilize situation to prevent further recurrence of abuse/neglect/exploitation.

Initiates the legal process for guardianship as a last resort for the protection of incapacitated adults.

Maintains required documentation and completes reports within standards of promptness. Maintains knowledge of current policies, laws, trends and developments in the field by attending training sessions and meetings.

Performs other professional responsibilities as assigned.In addition to the duties above, the APS Investigator - Lead Worker

A. Performs administrative duties for the Regional Supervisor(s):

Provides consultation on cases and assists staff in resolving problems encountered in work assignments and provides needed assistance with decision making and policy questions/clarifications.

Performs a minimum of three peer reviews each quarter for quality assurance and provides input into the training needs for the Region based on review findings.

Ensures that necessary job-related instruction is provided to staff, including additional mentoring as needed.

Participates in interview process for vacant positions as needed.

Monitors workers’ adherence to established office policies and practices.

Informs District Manager immediately of problem cases or any situation that may require a higher level of attention.

Provides on-the-job training to staff and serves as a mentor to fellow workers. B. In the absence of the Supervisor, plans and organizes the unit’s work to meet the organization’s objectives:

Delegates and/or assigns and prioritizes work in keeping with employee skill levels, workloads, and coverage areas.

Approves leave for other workers, in consultation with District Manager.

Communicates organization’s goals and objectives to staff.

Monitors progress and productivity of assigned staff.

Evaluates programs, procedures, and processes on an interim basis, as designated by the supervisor.

Addresses or resolves problems between clients and staff. C. Serves as the primary Community Outreach/Education liaison for the unit:

Makes presentations upon request on Adult Protective Services to community groups or individuals to raise public awareness and support.

Represents the APS unit on multi-disciplinary teams and other community groups, and acts as the unit liaison for DAS Forensic Unit’s ACT training. Core Competencies:

Provides services and information to and honors all of the State’s commitments to internal and external customers by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service.

Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals and works as a team player within and across departments to achieve shared goals.

Treats others with dignity and respect, maintains a friendly demeanor and values the contributions of others.

Delivers consistently required business results and meets achievable yet aggressive goals.

Complies with quality standards and meets deadlines.

Maintains focus on agency and State goals.

Displays honesty, accountability, and a strong commitment to his or her public duty and presents oneself as a credible representative of the agency and State to maintain the public trust.

Demonstrates ability to make sound judgments and develops effective, viable solutions to drive the effectiveness of the Department and State.

Has excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Is strongly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and/or standard software applications typically used in a corporate office environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND One (1) year of experience in a related area

OR

Two (2) years of experience at the lower level Advocate 2 (SSP081) or position equivalent.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications : Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrate some or all the following education/skills/experience:

2 years’ experience as an APS Investigator

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services program

Experience working with a specific issue facing client populations such as family violence, crisis intervention, substance abuse, services to the elderly or disabled.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and consistent access to a vehicle for required work-related activities.

Note: An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.

Additional Information

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: @HRHelpline

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.

DHS accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring official for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.