Protective Services Case Worker

AgeSpan

Formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley/North Shore

About Us: Since 1974 our agency has strived towards supporting an individual's desire to make their own decisions, secure their independence and remain living independently in the community. We are proud of our employees who make this possible every day. Our agency is a thought-leader, a nationally known generator of new ideas, because it welcomes creativity, your ideas. It is an outstanding place to work stimulating, friendly, collaborative. We offer competitive salaries, generous vacation time, and an excellent work/life balance. We value diversity and encourage career growth. If you have a passion for improving the lives of the elderly community and enjoy working in a diverse team driven by its mission, you've found the right place!

At AgeSpan, you'll find a work environment that combines:

• A refreshing culture that is supportive, collaborative, and encouraging of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• A focus on innovation with a team recognized for developing and implementing innovative programs and novel solutions.
• Encouragement of your development through opportunities to get involved, use your voice, and gain new knowledge and skills.
• A satisfying balance between your work and personal life, including a flexible workplace, generous paid time off, and wellness programs.

Depending on your role and your hours, we offer

• Flexible schedule and hybrid work opportunities
• Competitive salaries
• Healthcare (medical, dental)
• 403b Retirement Plan with agency match
• 20 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, and 12 Paid Holidays
• Social Work Licensing Program
• License Renewal Paid by agency for RN's and Social Workers
• And MORE!

Position Summary: The Protective Services Case Worker will assess and investigate Protective Services cases. The Caseworker is responsible for investigating Protective Services reports, assessing the level of client risk, providing crisis intervention services, advocacy, and monitoring of the case to resolve crisis issues.

Essential Functions: (Core duties or tasks that are fundamental and not marginal to the performance of the job)

• Investigate Protective Services reports as assigned by the Protective Services Supervisor.
• Conduct field visits to assess an older adult's physical, social, emotional, and environmental status to determine their eligibility and needs in their homes in accordance with Executive Office of Elder Affairs regulations.
• Provision of crisis intervention, advocacy, and casework services.
• Completion of appropriate paperwork and maintenance of client files, including computer database, as defined by the Protective Services Supervisor, and as regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
• Development and maintenance of ongoing service plans to assist in the resolution of Protective Services cases.
• Accessing appropriate mental health, medical resources, and legal assistance when cases require this attention.
• Liaison and clinical consultation with case management staff when appropriate.
• Assist with community education efforts as assigned by Protective Services Supervisor.
• Utilization of court system, when necessary, as indicated under the MGL Chapter 19A 651 CMR law and other mandates.
• Case coverage and liaison efforts with other staff members of the Protective Services team.
• Work collaboratively within the team when difficult scenarios and issues arise within a teammate's caseload.
• Coverage responsibilities for the Protective Services team including participation in the after hours on-call, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Protective Services Supervisor.

Qualifications: A Masters or higher degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing, sociology, criminal justice, public health, public policy, or gerontology, plus at least one year of experience in counseling, casework, case management, preferably in a Protective Services or crisis intervention role preferred; A Bachelors' degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing, sociology, criminal justice, public health, public policy, or gerontology, plus at least two years of experience in counseling, casework or case management providing protective or crisis intervention services may be substituted for Masters; LSW eligibility within 2.5 years of hire required; exceptional negotiation/ problem solving, written/verbal communication skills essential; experience with computers, necessary. Bilingual capacity preferred but not required.

Hours: 37.5 per week

AA/EOE

AgeSpan is strongly committed to fostering a professional environment that recognizes, respects, and encourages the unique contributions of a broad spectrum of qualified employees. It is important that our employees reflect the diverse communities we serve. We maintain a work atmosphere that allows people of varied backgrounds to grow professionally and contribute to our mission by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and work-life balance.