Aps Intake Counselor 2* - 02132024- 54811

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, COMM&SOCIAL SRV-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMERFOOD PRG (COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM) DIVISION, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

For more information, follow the link below:

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/APS_Intake_Counselor2_Montgomery_030424.pdf'
This is a remote position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and one year of full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: social services and/or human services case management, gerontology, behavioral counseling, medical services, investigations regarding vulnerable persons, psychology, or sociology.

Substitution of Education for Experience:One year of qualifying graduate course work in a related field such as listed above may be substituted for the required experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

• Complete a criminal background history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
• Submit to a review of and not be listed on the Indicated Persons Registry of the Department of Children's Services, Department of Health's vulnerable persons' registry, or the state's sex offender registry;
• Not have an excludable offense as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-2-403 and Tenn. Rules & Regs. Ch. 1240-07-10-.09.
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of training offered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Summary

This classification performs call center intake work of average difficulty. An employee in this class gathers and documents information for reported allegations of self-neglect, abuse, exploitation and/or neglect of a vulnerable adult. This classification performs responsibilities under general supervision at the working level. This class differs from the APS Intake Supervisor in that incumbents of the latter are responsible for supervising employees in this class.

Responsibilities

• Gathers information from the reporting source via phone, fax, email, internet, or face-to-face contact regarding allegations of self-neglect, abuse, exploitation and/or neglect, for vulnerable adults. Requested information may include any mental and/or physical impairment, demographical information, other persons involved, any risk of harm, or any unmet need.
• Documents all information obtained during the reporting process in the case management system and/or verifies accuracy of existing information to assist with the completion of an intake report.
• Ensures the safety of the investigative field staff by determining potential risk factors (i.e., weapons on premises, vicious animals, violent persons, communicable diseases etc.) prior to initiating investigations.
• Evaluates, analyzes, and interprets data gathered to determine if the report meets APS criteria for investigations and the level of risk to assign the appropriate level of response priority.
• Notifies the reporting source when information obtained does not meet the criteria for an APS investigation or intervention and provides information regarding any community resources that may be available.
• May collaborate with appropriate external agencies including those in other states to complete reports for alleged victims living outside of Tennessee. Communicates with the Department of Children's Services regarding any reports that involve risks to minors.
• Requests wellbeing checks from law enforcement as necessary to reduce immediate risk to the vulnerable adult.
• Performs extended intake by contacting hospitals, law enforcement, etc. to gather additional information for determining the level of risk to the vulnerable adult.
• Ensures confidentiality of the reporting source is maintained according to applicable law and agency policy when communicating with persons outside of APS.
• Assists in providing rotating coverage for after-hours intake calls to ensure continuous availability to the public, including weekends and holidays. Ensures that after-hours telephone calls are taken in a secure setting to maintain confidentiality.

Competencies

• Competent in determining and setting priorities and acting with integrity and trust.
• Knowledgeable in public safety and security measures.
• Knowledge of psychology practices.
• Skilled in active listening and learning, making quality decisions, solving complex problems, and priority setting.
• Skilled in being socially aware and observant and adapting to complex situations.
• Ability to use inductive and deductive reasoning to be objective and resourceful.
• Ability to type efficiently and communicate effectively orally and in writing communication effectively and with sensitivity to problems.

Tools & Equipment

• General office equipment
• Computer/laptop
• iPad
• Multifunction Printer (Print/scan/fax/copy)
• Cell phone
• GPS