Department of Civil Service

Description:

Description: The Bureau of Adult Services (BAS) oversees local departments of social services Adult Protective Services (APS) departments. APS serves vulnerable adults (18 and older) who meet the criteria of having mental or physical impairment, are at risk of actual or threatened harm and have no one else willing and able to assist them responsibly. APS investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and coordinates necessary services to mitigate the risks and support the client to improve their situation. Financial exploitation is the main form of abuse that occurs in NYS. Self-neglect is the other main type of neglect, and this often involves client social isolation and inability to access community services.
BAS conducts periodic case practice reviews for every NYS county to ensure that consistent and quality services are being delivered. Practice improvement plans are created when deficiencies are present and follow up is conducted to ensure to improvement occurs.

Duties:
1. Develop an understanding of how APS can be improved to create stronger communities that support vulnerable adults in the least restrictive manner.
2. Develop an understanding of how OCFS policies align with laws and regulations that govern APS practices.
3. Strengthen research skills, critical assessment, and analytical skills.
4. Develop time and task management skills.
5. Improve technical writing skills.
6. Gain broader understanding of how other human services agencies interact to support the goals of APS clients. Human service agencies include other state agencies such as NYS Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Office for Addiction and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), Veteran Services, Alzheimer's Association (AA) and Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Other human services agencies include numerous local non-profit agencies supporting these populations in the areas of housing, clinical services, money management, home based care, and other basic needs.
7. Learn and use electronic systems of record to generate data for reports. Learn to analyze reports to identify trends and potential areas needing further research.
8. Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss relevant topics and problem solving.
9. Learn and use the person-centered approach when participating in problem resolutions on a broad scale as well as individually based situations. Develop deeper understanding of diversity, equity inclusion and access policies.
10. Participate in specific APS training on topics such as dementia, mental health, substance abuse, aging issues, guardianships and other legal interventions, social isolation, caseworker safety, red flags of abuse and neglect, and ethics.
11. Participate in the case practice review process to ensure legal compliance of APS units as well as promoting best practices for the delivery of APS.

Skills:

Written and Verbal Communication Skills

Research When Given Parameters

Time Management Skills

Team Player

Understanding ofVulnerable Adult Issues

Internship Areas: Human Services, Investigations, Planning/Analysis/Research