Adult Protection Specialist 1-3

Adult Protective Services SpecialistThe mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable adults by joining the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Aging and Adult Services as an Adult Protective Services Specialist. This impactful role provides the opportunity to protect and advocate for adults facing abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other high-risk situations through investigations, assessments, crisis intervention, and service coordination. The position works closely with law enforcement, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and community partners to help ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals across Louisiana. If you are compassionate, analytical, and driven to make a real impact through advocacy and protective services, we encourage you to apply!Minimum QualificationsFour years of social services experience; OR Six years of full-time work experience plus one year of social services experience; OR A bachelor's degree plus one year of social services experience; OR A master's degree in social work, a social science, education, counseling or vocational rehabilitation. EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.Job Duties and Other InformationJob Duties:The incumbent must adhere to the profession's ethical standards and abide by departmental and office policies and procedures.The incumbent is primarily assigned to one LDH region. However, when workload demands, the incumbent may occasionally be required to work in other regions. General supervision is provided from an Adult Protection Specialist Supervisor.The position requires a thorough knowledge of laws and regulations relating to abuse of vulnerable adults, social work principles, and specific circumstances of persons with disabilities, community resources, crisis intervention skills, and the ability to work with persons of different cultures and ethnic groups, and values.Investigative, analytical, decision-making, critical thinking, and case management functions are required at the skilled professional level. Insightful, independent judgment is required. The position requires the ability to function in adversarial conditions, defuse volatile or hostile situations, and may involve exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous conditions.The incumbent must communicate effectively, both written and orally, with vulnerable and disabled individuals, healthcare professionals, social service providers, law enforcement, district attorneys, the courts, charitable organizations, churches, and clients with special communication needs. The position requires extensive travel within and outside the domicile's official region, often in high crime and/or isolated, remote areas.A valid driver's license and personal means of transportation are required. A criminal background check may be required. Incumbents must adhere to the LDH and OAAS Telework Policies. Incumbents may be required to serve on-call in specific situations or when scheduled on a rotating basis. Work may be required outside the traditional 40-hour work week.The incumbent may be required to present investigative information and outcomes and/or testify in court regarding cases. The position requires computer skills, including the ability to download, upload, copy, and save computer files, write narratives, and enter data into an electronic database system. A preferred qualification is proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs.Position-Specific Details:Location: Office of Aging & Adult Services / OAAS - Headquarters / East Baton Rouge ParishAppointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointmentCost Center: 3201033002Position Number(s): 50691424Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Adult Protection Specialist 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.Compensation: This position is eligible for Premium Pay of additional $2.00/hr for hours worked.