Adult Protective Service Specialist

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The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where compassion meets action—become an Adult Protective Service Specialist and help safeguard the well-being of those who need it most.

We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about the Adult Protective Service Specialist role, how to apply and ask questions.

Wednesday 2/18/2026 from 12:00pm-12:45pm PST

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Summary of Duties

As an Adult Protective Specialist, you will have the responsibility to provide protective services to older adults and to adults with physical disabilities whose situation is within Aging and People with Disabilities’ jurisdiction to investigate.  This person is responsible for conducting intakes of abuse as indicated by Oregon Administrative Rule, 411-020; completing investigations and risk management; providing prevention, protection, and intervention for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who are unable to protect themselves from abuse and self-neglect.

 Major duties include:

• Conduct screening interviews by phone or in-person with victims and community members reporting abuse or self-neglect of an older adult or adult with physical disabilities. During screening and triage, conduct a preliminary assessment of the alleged victim’s safety, possible risks to the investigator or other factors; determine need for emergency intervention. Coordinate actions with law enforcement, District Attorneys, or other community partners to arrange for victim’s safety and security.

• Investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect. Plan the scope and direction of the investigation. Conduct in person and phone interviews with the alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and witnesses. Review documents and records such as medical or financial records. Evaluate and organize evidence. Collect and analyze physical and documentary evidence. Address issues that arise during the investigation through problem solving, protective services or referrals. Determine relevance, reliability, and credibility of gathered information and evidence.

• Conduct home visits in both community and facility settings to assess and monitor living and safety conditions. Intervene in situations where adults are at high risk of abuse or neglect within their living situations.

• Decide when appropriate to refer to law enforcement personnel.

• Evaluate the victim’s support systems, capacity to remain healthy and safe and ability to protect his or her own interests. Develop and manage intervention plans that arrange for needed services, alternative living arrangements in the community-based care systems, or personal care. Monitor the risk of individuals who are alleged victims of abuse, neglect or self-neglect.

• Provide investigative information on criminal cases when needed. Testify in court before grand jury, trials and hearings. Give sworn depositions.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

A Bachelor's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and two years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience;

OR

an Associate's Degree in the human, social, behavioral or criminal sciences and four years human service, law enforcement or investigative experience

Three years professional level experience related to the position may substitute for the Bachelor's degree; 18 months for an Associates.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working in investigations (i.e. civil, legal, criminal or abuse/neglect).

• Experience communicating with clients or members of the public who have challenges accepting or accessing assistance.

• Experience in community or facility-based care settings.

• Experience interviewing people to gather and verify information related to abuse, neglect and/or self-neglect.

• Experience working in a highly self-paced and organized environment.

• Experience navigating technology including multiple MS windows-based software and programs, data entry systems such as salesforce, and various computer systems or databases.

• Experience with written documentation and an ability to write detailed, analytical, concise reports that involves information from multiple witnesses, documents/records, and observations.

Attention all candidates! A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED.  Please address how you meet the minimum qualifications, and the essentials attributes listed above in your application.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. If applicable, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing education history.  Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

• Standard working hours Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. The hours of work may vary from day to day, including some after hours.

• Occasional statewide travel required for engagement with local offices and community partners or team and supervisory meetings, all which could require an overnight stay. Must be able to drive and meet with individuals in their homes, community settings, community based long term care facilities, or other care settings. 

• You will be working directly with individuals affected by, or responsible for, cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation

• May be exposed to communicable diseases, such as the flu virus, Covid-19, and MRSA. Exposure to respiratory and bloodborne pathogens is possible

• May be exposed to unsanitary environments and you will encounter animals.  

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.

• Frequent exposure to sensitive and confidential information and evidence such as reports and photographs regarding the abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.

• May be subjected to abuse and assaultive threats made by angry and hostile individuals.

• Position involves a rigorous volume of workload that requires the ability to coordinate responsibilities for multiple field offices at one time, each with a level of activity that can be unpredictable and fast paced.

• Ability to work in an area with moderate noise levels with multiple distractions and maintain good working relationships with other employees.  Subject to interruptions via telephone and in person.

• Requires daily computer use and period of sitting in a general office environment or remote office location.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ preference:

• Veterans’ preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Cris Jansen.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 503-826-6988