APS Investigator/Screener - MHC - $1500 Hiring Incentive

We’re seeking social workers and mental health professionals who represent the communities we serve and are dedicated to removing barriers to adults who experience intersectionality to join our team as the Adult Protective Service (APS) Investigator/Screener - Mental Health Consultant (MHC). The APS Investigator/Screener - MHC is responsible for screening APS referrals to determine whether the event reported meets abuse definitions within the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). This position also makes referrals and recommendations for client's welfare and services; conducts protective services assessments for individuals with mental health concerns; manages interview and evaluation process for clinical determination of risk; coordinates with external agencies for action and care plans; and documents determinations and to meet legal requirements. The APS Investigator/Screener - MHC is a designee of the State, executing statutory responsibilities on abuse/neglect allegations and protective services referrals.

As a newly hired Mental Health Consultant, you will receive a one-time New Hire Recruitment and Retention Incentive payment of up to $1,500 on your first paycheck. The incentive will be prorated based on the position's FTE status.

As the APS Investigator/Screener - MHC, other duties include:

Conduct Formal Assessments and Screenings

• Screen all calls to determine, assess and evaluate whether the incident meets the definition of abuse under local, state and federal law and policies. 

• While in the screening role, this position will use the definition of abuse from the OAR that is appropriate to the setting in which the alleged victim lives (single family home, congregate setting, etc.) and receives mental health services. 

• Complete electronic health records (EHR) intake form, submit it for review by supervisor and make changes as needed. Provide consultation, direction, intervention, care coordination and/or service plan to case managers and other providers to determine and direct their best course of action to maintain client safety and to file a police report if there is reason to believe a crime has been committed. 

• Engage crisis services when appropriate. 

• Consultation and case evaluation within a team setting of internal and external partners will include possible referrals and warm hand-offs to a provider or other organization based on the recommended level of action and care. 

• Additionally, ensure the client's ability to follow up on their care plan and transition events, providing necessary supports such as connections to services and transportation. 

• Clinical follow-up will also be arranged as needed. 

• Contact abuse reporters, alleged victims and others in the community to gather information, assess risk, problem-solve, and safety plan. 

• Conduct and document safety planning as part of assessment and clinical process. 

• Included in the screening and evaluation process is a focus on quality improvement, policy development, communication, control of HIPAA and other legal protections of protected health information, and workflow innovation while collaborating with numerous internal and external providers, agencies, organizations, etc.

• Collect data on alleged victims from several different databases to determine if APS has the authority to investigate an abuse claim. Collaborate with teammates to balance workloads while ensuring all allegations are properly and completely screened. Maintain a high level of organization to track multiple intakes simultaneously through all stages of the screening process. 

• Consolidate information from varied sources to give a brief yet thorough sketch of events tied to the abuse allegation. Describe complex circumstances and relationships in a clear and concise manner.

Conduct Death Reviews 

• Request, review and evaluate clinical records of deceased clients of community mental health programs to determine if abuse or neglect played a role in the client’s death.

• Document in EHR, on State forms and in-program forms to chronicle the service recommendations, course of treatment, safety planning, and interventions by service providers prior to the client’s death. 

• Make recommendations, referrals, and determinations based on the Death Review Process. 

• Refer for investigation any allegations that meet criteria of abuse or neglect based on OAR.

Supervision/Training/Meetings

• Use supervision to address and identify strengths, areas of growth, training needs, program needs, and professional development issues. 

• Participate in State and County trainings as needed. 

• Participate in training sessions with the team when there are  new staff, administrative rules changes, new protocols, and as needed. 

• Participate in staff meetings, client staffings, division-wide and county-wide meetings to share learning, best practices, and support of team-based care approaches for fragile and at-risk clients. 

• The position will be trained on both screening and Death Review processes, definitions of abuse, documentation requirements, and threshold of harm to the individual involved.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification: Must have a Masters degree and meet the standards of the Qualified Mental Health Professional - (QMHP-R) with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO). Please visit the  MHACBO website to confirm your eligibility to apply. This position requires a QMHP - R within 30 days of hire, current QMHP - R, and/or licensed Board of Oregon (LPC, LCSW, PHD,etc)

• Masters degree in psychology or

• Masters degree in social work or counseling or

• Masters degree in a behavioral science field

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

1. Attach a Resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications; AND

2. Attach a Cover Letter addressing the following: 

• Demonstrate your experience collaborating with multicultural and diverse teams; and

• How you meet the qualifications for this position; and

• Why you are interested in the position; AND 

3. Attach a copy of your QMHP-R and/or Board of Oregon Licensure (if applicable)

Questions? Contact recruiter: Caitrin Thomaselli   

Email: [email protected]    Phone: 1 (971) 4218257