SW II Adult Protective Service

Work Type
Adult Services

Position Number
21540059

Salary
$34,902

Closing Date
October 25, 2019
Posted October 16, 2019


Agency Name
Martin County DSS

Work County
Martin

Job Contact
Barbie Casper 305 East Main Street PO Box 809 Williamston, NC 27892 Phone: 252-789-4400 Fax: 252-789-4409

Job Location
305 East Main Street
Williamston
North Carolina
27892
Job Description

  1. A. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
The Adult Services Unit provides services to the Adult citizens (ages 18 and older) of the county. Services provided are Community Alternatives Program, Adult Protective Services, Guardianship, Adult Placement, Special Assistance Program, Adult Home Specialist monitoring of ACH and FCH, and Payee. The Unit interview families, who are in emergency crisis, apply assistance as policy allows, and refers them to ongoing DSS services and community resources. The Unit focuses attention on clients’ well- being, rights, and safety.   .
  1. Primary Purpose of Position:
Work in this class involves professional social work services in Adult Care Homes. The Social Worker assists the state with the initial licensure process, investigations on “unlicensed facilities”, technical assistance, routine monitoring, complaint investigation, and negative actions. The social worker reviews these areas: medication, activities, resident funds, food service, admissions and discharges, physical environment, management and personnel, health care, and resident rights. The worker assists persons or agencies who desire to start an Adult Day Care, Adult Day Health Care Center, Adult Care Home, or Family Care Home with the necessary written information on the legal process and contact numbers with the state. This employee also has payee cases and is back-up (when needed) for Adult Protective Services. Employee has to be “on call” for Adult Protective Services (after regular hours) to take APS reports or information/calls on “wards of the state” that our local DSS is responsible for. The “On Call” schedule is on a rotating basis set by the supervisor and the worker must be within one hour of travel from Martin County during the “on call” period. Employee will initiate or contribute to APS evaluations/assessments as needed per the decision of the supervisor, Director, or designee. Work in this class involves providing professional social work services to adult clients (ages 18 and older). The majority of clients served are elderly, sick, and vulnerable. Worker also serves as a “back up” Services Intake worker to interview clients in financial crisis. Intake duties also include taking applications and conducting reviews for Medicaid Transportation. This type of Social Work involves evaluating the client’s situation and his/her ability to deal with it, developing a social history, psychosocial assessment, service plan and/or treatment plan and follow up. This employee serves as this agency’s placement specialist who makes referrals to placement in a residential facility and/or assists the client and family in securing safe placement. Worker is also involved in case management, which includes basic counseling, support, and reinforcement in areas such as death and dying, medical, health, mental, or behavioral issues. Employee addresses such problems as adjustment to illness or disability, placement into an institution, rest home, or nursing facility, financial concerns, and socialization issues of the socially handicapped or those debilitated by age or illness. The person in this position must ensure that North Carolina General Statues are followed in each program responsibility. Emphasis is placed on improving the quality of an adult’s life as well as protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and/or exportation of self or assets. Assist clients as program allows to stabilize a safe lifestyle for vulnerable adults in their home when possible and to consider alternatives when this is not possible. Constant evaluation of client safety is the emphasis in all areas of responsibility. Make home visits as determined by the Director/designee or by request of the court to monitor client safety.        
  1. Work Schedule:
The Work schedule of this position is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, daily, Monday through Friday, with exception of approved paid holidays or leave. The lunch break is one hour in length between the hours of 12:00 noon and 2:00 PM. One break in the morning for 15 minutes is authorized between the hours of 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM and one break for 15 minutes in the afternoon is authorized between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Overtime may be required per authorization of the immediate supervisor, Director, or Deputy Director.   APS “On Call” as scheduled by the supervisor.      
  1. Change in Responsibilities or Organizational Relationship: None
     
  1. A. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Method Used: Order of importance X Sequential order
                 Description of characteristics of clients served: Clients served by this employee tend to be vulnerable to various physical, mental, social, and emotional challenges. Clients can be elderly and affected with issues brought on by age. Some clients have financial problems and limited financial support. Most if not all applicants are eligible for Medicaid or currently receiving Medicaid. Most cases that this worker will manage will require the client receive Medicaid with the exception of some protective services. Adult Protective Services are provided to any family or individual without regard to income, sex, race, or religion either by consent of the client with capacity or by court order in cases where capacity does not exist at the time the APS assessment is complete. Services Intake clients may or may not be involved in an APS evaluation/assessment and services intake applications are available to any client that wants to apply for funds and/or services in their financial situation. All clients have the right to receive in various ways information on community resources and to apply for any intake services without regard to income, sex, race, or religion.   This worker will meet with clients from various backgrounds and financial standing through Intake Services, Intake Home visits, home studies, and APS assessments/evaluations. Not all clients would be classified as “poor” in DSS interviews and outreach home visits. Some clients will suffer from multiple issues complicated with the appearance of stress related problems.  
  1. Description of the referrals received by DSS: The agency receives referrals from any person or institution, which has cause to suspect an abusive/negligent situation of a person 18 years old or older exists. The referral can come from a phone call, email, electronic communication, letter, simple note, or any other form of intelligent communication. The agency also receives referrals in which it is believed the person’s body is being exploited in some way or a belief the vulnerable adults assets (property or money) is be exploited in some way. These referrals are known as APS reports that will be screened in or screened out by the person in the position. All APS reports screened in will be followed by an APS evaluation/assessment of the situation as APS policy prescribes. All screened in APS reports will be assigned to a designated SW by the supervisor in this position. All referrals for intake services and intake applications are made by the client or the client’s representative either in person or by phone. In cases in which the client cannot physically come to DSS, the supervisor will assign a worker to make an intake visit with the client and/or representative in order to give the opportunity for an application to intake services and funds. All referrals for all other adult services are made either in person or by an intake visit to the client and/or the client’s representative.
    The Adult Services Unit will also provide written” intake” referrals (with limitations of the contents) to other human services agencies and/or relief agencies for the financially needy per the written consent of the client. Limitation: No Social Security numbers, birth certificates, nor driver’s licenses, birth dates should be released to other organizations concerning the client and family because of the concerns of identification theft.   Confidentiality of client information in all forms in all DSS matters and related business must be protected at all times on DSS campus and in DSS travels, and is the duty of the employee. Employee must also protect client’s information in their possession from being exposed for identity theft. Any disclosure of confidentiality client information without the signed consent of the adult client with capacity for a specific written referral may result in disciplinary action up to dismissal. All confidential information is not to be left out in the open for others client/person to see and the duty of employee is to make sure this does not happen.            
  1. Description of program: The Adult Services Unit is comprised of one supervisor, five social workers and one clerical worker who work as a team. This team coordinates services for vulnerable adults under a financial crisis or need. Adult Protective Services assessments/evaluations, case planning/case management, Community Alternative of Disabled Adults, and Special Assistance. Social worker will provide assistance and information on Home Health/ Respite Care programs in the community. The purpose of the program is to protect adults from abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of the person or her/his assets by educating adults and their families/support system about care options. It is also the purpose of Adult Services to provide appropriate case management follow up to substantiated cases of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation that is authorized by client consent or court action. Said follow up case management includes services or resources necessary to keep the adult safe as authorized by the clients with capacity to consent or by action of the court in cases, the vulnerable adult lacks capacity. Social Worker will coordinate/locate services for adult based on assessment of adult’s needs. DSS will obtain legal authorization to provide service for the client that has capacity and requesting services.
  The Adult Services unit also provides written “intake” referrals (with limitations of the contents) to other human services agencies and/or relief agencies for the financially needy per the written consent of the client.   Limitations: No Social Security numbers, birthdates, nor driver’s licenses, birthdates should be released to other organizations concerning the client and family because of the concerns of identification theft.   Confidentiality of client information in all forms in all DSS matters and related business must be protected at all times on DSS campus and in DSS travels, and is the duty of the employee. Employee must also protect client’s information in their possession from being exposed for identity theft. Any disclosure of confidential client information without the signed consent of the adult client with capacity for a specific written referral may result in disciplinary action up to dismissal. All confidential information is not to be left out in the open for others clients/person to see and the duty of employee is to make sure this does not happen.    
  1. Description of characteristics of clients served: Clients served by this employee tend to be vulnerable to various physical, mental, social, and emotional challenges. CAP DA clients are adults 18 years of age or older with various physical and mental disabilities. Clients can be elderly and affected with issues brought on by age. Some clients have financial problems and limited financial support. Most, if not all, applicants are eligible for Medicaid or currently receiving Medicaid. Most cases that this worker will manage will require the client receive Medicaid with the exception of some protective services. All clients have the right to receive in various ways information on community resources and to apply for any intake services without regard to income, sex, race, or religion. This worker will meet with clients from various background and financial standing through Services Intake, Intake Home visits, home studies, and APS assessments/evaluations. Not all clients would be classified as “poor” in DSS interviews and outreach home visits. Some clients will suffer from multiple issues complicated with the appearance of stress related problems.
 
  1. Description of the referral received by DSS: The agency receives referrals from any person or institution, which has cause to suspect an abusive/negligent situation of a person 18 years old or older exists. The agency also receives referrals in which it is believed the person’s body is being exploited in some way or a belief the vulnerable adults assets (property or money) is be exploited in some way. These referrals are known as APS reports. These referrals can come from a phone call, email, electronic communication, letter, simple note, or any other form of intelligent communication. All APS reports “screened” in will be followed by an APS evaluation/assessment of the situation as APS policy prescribes. Sometimes the worker will receive a report on a minor child (under 18 years old) known as a “CPS report”.
      III.        B. OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:
  • Miscellaneous: Worker is to possess and maintain a current valid North Carolina driver’s license in good standing and have access to a fully inspected/licensed vehicle with insurance coverage currently for situations involving travel for DSS purposes when duty requires the worker to drive. Reimbursement is provided as detailed in the Employee Handbook. Worker is to operate the motorized vehicle in which a client or DSS staff is traveling in for DSS related business in a safe manner in accordance with the laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle. The worker is required to attend meetings and training events as determined by the Director/designee. Worker is required to sit on committees or attend staff meetings. Worker participates in DSS outreach into the community. Worker is to make presentations to groups and meetings concerning Adult Services or Adult related issues. Bring to the attention of the supervisor, Deputy Director, or Director any situation involving a client in which the client does not speak English so that DSS Interpreting Services can be provided. Worker will assist in the on the job training or instruction of lower-level social workers, income maintenance caseworkers, students, worker experience appointments (WFES), or interns as requested by the supervisor. This employee may be called upon in case of a disaster, either natural or man-made; to serve the citizens of Martin County and failure to serve when required may result in adverse actions up to and including dismissal. Services to the citizens during a disaster may result in the assignment of other duties, which will take precedence over duties described in this job description.         (2% of worker’s time)
  • General Administration: This is the “GA” time captured on the DaySheets. Completing Time and Attendance sheets, Leave Slips and Travel Reimbursement forms by cross-referencing these items with the entries on computerized iiReception system. Unit to make sure all entries are correct. Time and Attendance sheets, leave slips, and Travel Reimbursement forms are permanent record. These permanent records must be true and any falsification of those permanent records will result in disciplinary action. Complete out of county travel forms timely and get pre approval of the supervisor prior to upcoming travel out of the county. Travel outside of the state must be discussed with the Director before going. Promptly report accidents and/or injuries of clients or coworkers to the supervisor, Deputy Director, or Director. Review and double check all data recorded on Day Sheets to make sure all entries are correct related to services conducted and time. Communicating and coordinating with the clerical staff to make sure any new county case numbers or new SIS numbers are set up correctly. Submit all new charts to be set up within the first two workdays of opening the case. Pertaining to all intake and adult programs, notify the supervisor immediately of any situation in which the agency may have to pay back funds or will cause a cost that was not included or foreseen by the agency budget. Report county vehicle maintenance problems to the supervisor (change oil light on, etc.).     (4% of worker’s time)
  • Protective Services: This worker will be involved in assisting the Adult Services Unit as a “back up” worker for APS. Assist with taking APS reports, APS evaluations/assessments, APS case management, and connecting client with protective services should the APS SW be unavailable. These duties are also performed during times the APS SW position is vacant. The worker also is responsible to take CPS (Child Protective Services) reports when all children services staff is unavailable. Taking a protective service report remains the top priority in the course of the workday! Worker will immediately locate a supervisor, Deputy Director, or Director to staff the contents of the report (APS or CPS). Worker will be on rotation to serve “On Call” to take protective services reports. The worker will be provided a DSS cell phone to have on his/her person (or within hearing distance) at all times during the “on call” period. The Communications staff (911 operators) is instructed to call said phone. Worker is required to answer that call, and then make another call to the “reporter” promptly within 10 minutes of the first call from Communications. Take down the APS report and contact the supervisor immediately (within 10 minutes) to screen the report. Worker that is “on call” must not be further away from Martin County than the distance of one hour of travel during the entire time the worker is “on call”. Worker will abide by North Carolina General Statues, State Protective Services policy as well as local policy concerning all protective services matters. Participate in court hearings. Documentation of findings must be in the official chart. Worker is to make sure all State deadlines are met. Staff all case decisions with the supervisor at the completion of the APS assessment for supervisor’s approval. Participate in court or clerk of court hearings. Worker will make home visits. (17% of worker’s time)
  • Transport of Clients:   Occasionally, the supervisor will instruct the worker to assist the unit by transporting “wards of the state” (Guardianship cases) or some other DSS client in a safe manner.       (2% of worker’s time)
  • Placement Services: Employee is responsible for placement services case management according to State guidelines. SW will assist clients and/or family members or responsible persons with securing placement. Placement assistance is required for clients who need 24 hour supervision and care. Placement Services include assistance getting the client into a nursing level of care (SNF), Family Care Home (FCH) or Adult Care Home (ACH) as directed by a physician on an FL-2. Assist client, family member, or responsible person with the placement process by coordinating with the Medicaid worker taking Special Assistance (SA) applications. Services also include providing clients, and interested persons with a list of facilities when requested. Worker will contact facilities upon request to poll any open beds in the area facilities that could meet the need. Worker is a facilitator to make sure all tasks are accomplished between the client and the various agencies to make the placement happen. Employee may called upon the Supervisor to assist the APS worker with placement needs of an APS client that DSS has taken legal action to help. Supervisor will make referrals for placement services as needed in other cases. For client’s safety, placement must be prompt and the worker must make all effort to make the placement quickly. Any barriers to prompt placement must be brought to the immediate attention of the Supervisor. ( 16% )
    • Adult Home Specialist:   Worker is to accomplish all of the following goals by the guidelines and timelines set by the State and local DSS policies. Worker is required to refer often to the policy manuals and seek clarification from the supervisor as needed concerning policy and practice. Primary goal is to insure that residents of the Adult Care Home (ACH) and Family Care Home (FCH) receive the minimum adequate care established by North Carolina regulations. To protect the Residents Rights and to advocate for the residents of ACH and FCH facilities. The employee will use the methods of observation, interviews, and record reviews to determine if the facilities they monitor are following regulations and respecting resident rights. A secondary goal is to provide support for facilities for handling unusual or difficult situations that might arise among their resident population or a particular resident to insure that the facility is making diligent effort to provide adequate care. Worker will make recommendations and referrals for facilities in such situations based upon State guidelines. Worker will monitor the client(s) care in those situations. When unsure of answers the worker will staff the situation with the supervisor and contact the Division of Health Services Regulations (DHSR) consultant for instruction. Although the state of North Carolina requirement is that the worker be in a facility on a quarterly basis, the Martin County DSS Director requires for local purposes that this person monitor the facilities on a monthly basis. The worker writes monitoring reports and forwards them to the consultant at DHSR. A copy of the rule books must be with the worker and worker must quote from the book the area being reviewed in the monitoring report. Worker will receive complaints about the facilities either in house, from Raleigh (DHSR), or from APS reports. The worker will investigate complaints timely and write a complaint investigation report that will also be submitted to DHSR. Employee will, during the course of the monitoring or complaint investigation, make a determination if the areas that the facility is deficient in meet the scope and severity enough to issue a corrective actions report and if such violations are in the severity of Type A or B violations. In situations involving a facility where an APS report is done on a resident the AHS worker will assist the APS worker with the APS evaluation/assessment by sharing notes, narratives, and information necessary to complete the APS assessment. The APS worker will follow the lead of the AHS worker in making the initial visit in the facility so that state guidelines are met in the AHS role.   All concerns of resident safety and especially in open APS cases in a facility must be staffed with the supervisor immediately upon discovery.           (70% of worker’s time)
    • Unit Team Work: Worker is to assist coworkers with taking all protective services reports (APS or CPS) as needed when the services building is short of staff. The employee must remain in the building during work hours to take any reports needed until relieved by another SW. Report any accidents or injuries of staff, clients, or visitors during DSS business to the Director or Deputy Director immediately. Cooperate, coordinate, and communicate with other unit supervisors when client visits or services are needed beyond those offered by Adult Services. Assist DSS staff from other units as needed for the sake of the client. Present yourself as a professional and make all effort to reflect this agency in a positive manner before the clients, visitors, coworkers and the community at large.       (3% of worker’s time)  
    • Other requirements: This worker is expected to carry out any and all other duties assigned by the Director, or designee.    Worker is to abide by County Employee Handbook policy and DSS Employee Policy.   (3% of worker’s time)
 
  1. A. KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of or skills in the following:
  • Social Work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex individual casework, group work, and community problems.
  • The laws, regulations and policies that govern the program.
  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work.
  • Ability to work on a multidisciplinary team, committee, success team, or other such groups in order to accomplish a shared goal, vision, or task.
  • Ability to present himself/herself as a professional in appearance, speech, tone, work ethic, customer service and to be a good representation of the quality of work and personnel this agency has to offer the community at large.
  • Ability to train or instruct lower-level social workers, social worker trainees, income maintenance caseworkers, students, or interns.
  • The special needs of the disabled, vulnerable adults, and geriatric populations.
  • The psychosocial, socioeconomic, behavioral problems and their treatment.
  • Skill in developing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client’s problems.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative superiors, member of caseload and their families, and with civic, medical, mental, legal, social and religious organizations.
  • Medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment.
  • General knowledge of office or work unit procedures, methods, and practices.
  • General knowledge of and ability to use correct spelling, punctuation and specialized vocabulary; ability to proofread.
  • General knowledge of office accounting and record keeping procedures, mathematics and their application in the work environment.
  • Ability to learn and apply a variety of guidelines applicable to the work process.
  • Ability to use a variety of office equipment.
     
  1. 1. Required Minimum Training:
  Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; four year degree in an human services field plus one year directly related experience; or four year degree from a college or university plus two years of directly related experience.   Work against appointments is considered. Minimum training and experience: Four-year College or university degree.   Special Requirements:   Must live within one hour’s drive to the office; must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license; must have access to a vehicle that is properly and currently licensed, inspected, and insured.  
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