Aps Advanced Investigator

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans Thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view 'Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team!"
The position works the highest-level cases in Adult Protective Services (APS), including criminal, sexual assault, major financial fraud and criminal enterprise and repeat perpetrator cases, including extensive coordination with the Attorney General's Office, police, FBI, IRS and state licensing boards.
This position will be in APS but will be on site at the Arizona Attorney General's Office to coordinate mutual cases.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assess and respond to allegations of the highest levels of abuse, sexual assault and abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Respond within approved time frames to cases deemed critical incidents.
• Prioritize cases with the greatest risk, securing the necessary services and resources. Review complex medical, police, fiduciary, financial, and social service records.
• Identify patterns of behavior using available criminal records, data dashboards, and other research. Review complex financial records and prepare extensive spreadsheets to identify fraud and/or exploitation.
• Create a safety plan, refer to appropriate services and resources.
• Maintain regular contact with vulnerable adults, guardians, fiduciaries, and caretakers to determine if there are ongoing risks to clients ' safety and whether alleged perpetrators still have access to any vulnerable clients.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work; participate in staffing, hearings, and other meetings.
• Coordinate with local police departments and the criminal justice branch of the attorney general's office to conduct parallel investigations for the best outcomes for clients. Testify in court.
  

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal and state statutes, international agreements, regulations and policies related to assigned program duties.
• DES rules, regulations, policies and procedures and the principles and practices of public administration
• Interviewing techniques
• Criminal laws related to elder abuse, financial exploitation.

Skill in:

• Evidence gathering techniques
• Research, methodology, project planning, development, organization and work flow techniques
• Gathering, organizing, analyzing, interpreting and summarizing data and information from varied sources
• Building and maintaining working relationships with other departments, outside representatives, community groups/leaders, and staff

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, apply, and implement complex federal, state, department, and legislative laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Exercise a high degree of discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgment
• Serve as subject matter expert related to programmatic duties
• Manage and balance a full range of complex cases
  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or closely related field AND at least 5 years of experience in investigations, including experience testifying in court, forensic interviewing, gathering evidence and coordination with other entities.
• CFI (Certified Forensic Interviewer) certificate preferred.
  

• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions
• A.R.S 41-1969 Each employee or contractor of the Department of Economic Security who has access to federal tax information shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issues pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1758.07.
• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Valerie Rice at 480-673-0624 or daashr@azdes.gov
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Valerie Rice at 480-673-0624 or daashr@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.