Protective Services Caseworker at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Incorporated – Somerville, Massachusetts

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Protective Services Caseworker (PSW)

Reports To: Protective Services Supervisor

Department: Protective Services

FLSA Status: Exempt or X Non Exempt

X Union or Non-Union

Position Summary:

The Protective Services Caseworker (often referred to as Protective Services Worker or PSW) engages in activities related to the investigation of allegations of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect as defined by 651 CMR 5.00 and the provision of services to older adults with the goal of mitigating risks and impact of abuse.

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

• Conduct thorough and timely Protective Services investigations to determine whether allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect can be substantiated.
• Evaluate the functional, medical, mental status and resources of the older adult.
• Work collaboratively with older adult to develop and implement appropriate service plan to address and mitigate risks associated with substantiated allegations.
• Provide ongoing casework to elders and their families with the goal of preventing or mitigating risks associated with abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect.
• Reassess service plan per state regulations.
• Provide protective and other services including, if necessary, court action such as petitions for Protective Orders, Guardianship or Conservatorship.
• Arrange competency evaluations when necessary.
• Refer severe abuse, neglect and exploitation cases to the District Attorney per state regulations.
• Complete all home visits per state regulations and as instructed by supervisor or program director.
• Provide information and education about elder abuse and Protective Services to agency staff and community providers.
• Provide on-call coverage per schedule.
• Must be accessible by phone, directly, or by coverage during normal business hours.
• Provide backup coverage for any Protective Service case as requested by supervisor, program director or other individual acting in a supervisory role.
• Maintain timely, appropriate, accurate and professional documentation in accordance with state regulations and agency standards.
• Participate in PS Team, Agency, and Elder Affairs meetings as required.
• Participate in six clinical trainings each year per agency requirements.
• Comply with HIPAA and Protective Services confidentiality guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or director.
• Comply with departmental and state requirements with regards to documentation and data entry within the APS (WellSky) system.
• Provide program coverage for new intakes and emergencies as requested by supervisor or screener.

Professional Standards and Conduct:

• Collaborative and Responsive: Regularly communicate, follow up, and use a team-driven approach. Respond thoughtfully and promptly to agency needs, requests, and inquiries; identify and build partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills to meet various deadlines, ensuring closed-loop communication. Ability to multi-task and maintain flexibility to adapt and adjust workload assignments based on various needs.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communications skills. Comfortable with boundary setting, de-escalation techniques, clarifying roles and expectations to stakeholders while escalating obstacles to leadership as appropriate. Professional, effective, respectful and timely communication and follow-up within and outside agency.
• Analytical: Strong attention to detail. Ability to apply critical thinking skills to communicate feedback effectively, direct PSW casework, demonstrate flexibility in problem-solving and thinking outside of the box to help creatively solve client issues and work towards department and Agency mission. Identify barriers to services and assist in collaboration with Agency Departments and community providers to address barriers. Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.
• Attendance and Punctuality: Dependable, punctual, showing flexibility when needed. Attends meetings as needed and is fully present and participates during those meetings.
• Commitment: Embodies SCES’ core values and shows great integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions. Embodies mission of Elder Protective Services including advocating for the rights of elders to make decisions that others may disagree with. Aids in furthering SCES’ mission and commitment to an inclusive environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing, sociology, criminal justice, public health, public policy or gerontology, and at least two years of experience in counseling, casework or case management providing protective or crisis intervention services; or Master’s degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing, sociology, criminal justice, public health, public policy or gerontology, and at least one year of experience in counseling, casework, case management, preferably in a Protective Services or crisis intervention role.
• LSW preferred.
• Ability to effectively handle crisis and/or emergency situations.
• Experience working with elders preferred.
• Experience in crisis work and/or working with challenging clients and/or family members preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse populations.
• Exceptional time management and organizational proficiency.
• Must meet both CORI/SORI and public health screening requirements.
• Fluency in second language preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive properly insured own vehicle or willingness and ability to utilize public transportation to complete tasks necessary for role including visits to homes and facilities.
• Ability to work well as part of a team is required.
• Experience working with individuals and families around mental health, substance misuse and dementia related concerns, preferred.
• Knowledge of local community resources.
• Must be knowledgeable and comfortable using Microsoft 365 Platforms.
• Mets both CORI/SORI and public health screening requirements.
• Must be accessible by phone and email during normal business hours.

Physical Environment:

• Physical surroundings are comfortable with minimal exposure to injury or hazards.
• Role will necessitate making home visits, which could include unsanitary or hoarding conditions.
• Travel between SCES office, client homes and facilities (e.g., rehab, hospital, SNF) via car or public transportation is required.

Social/Psychological Conditions:

• Due to nature of work, interruptions or shifting priorities is to be expected throughout the day.
• Occasional stress due to periodic workload pressures; frequent interruption involved.

Physical Effort:

• Frequently sits, stands, walks, bends, reaches, and stoops throughout the day.
• Frequently lifts, pulls, pushes, and carries up to 20 lbs.
• Periodic eye strain and light ear strain.