An APS Caseworker’s job is to protect the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The job is very challenging and can be stressful at times, but there are few jobs that give you more opportunities to learn new things about families, your community, and yourself.
An APS investigation includes interviewing and gathering information to see if people who are elderly or disabled have been abused or neglected. During this process, it is the APS Caseworker’s job to:
- Help clients maintain their dignity and as much independence as possible.
- Build community relationships with law enforcement agents, medical staff, court staff, and representatives from various agencies and organizations.
- Assess clients and their living conditions, develop service plans, and provide services to remedy any problems.
Sounds good, but what will I be doing?
- Doing home visits to learn if the person needs help.
- Talking to clients about their situation and asking some pretty intimate questions.
- Talking to clients about all aspects of their life –including money, sex, health, relationships, and even terminal illness or death.
- Responding quickly in a crisis situation involving vulnerable adults in an abusive or neglectful situation.
- Interacting objectively with people who may have abused or neglected adults in their care.
- Educating clients about what they can do to avoid abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Documenting all relevant information and completing all required forms.
- Appropriately handling verbal abuse from clients who may not understand or accept why you are there.
- Working under deadlines and pressure created by the nature and volume of the cases, prioritizing efforts and working flexible work hours.
- Keeping a balance of objectivity and empathy in dealing with families living in stressful or crisis situations.
- Working as a team, supporting other caseworkers, and following the directions of the courts and agency.
Do I need a college degree?
To be a caseworker, you must have an accredited Bachelor’s degree, an accredited Associate’s degree or more than 60 accredited college credit hours.
What would my salary be?
The starting salary range is $3,498 to $$4,587.08 per month and will be based on your experience and qualifications.
State employees receive more than just base salary. The State also offers a wide variety of benefits. Those benefits, combined with base salary, form the total compensation package for state employees. The State’s total compensation package, with an average value of $78,146, or $37.57 per hour, consists of direct compensation, or wages paid to employees in exchange for work, and indirect compensation, which consists of quantifiable benefits.
Will I get training on what to do?
Yes! You will have lots of great training before beginning your job. Though you will be doing visits to clients on your own you will have support from your co-workers and supervisor any time you need it.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes! You will have ongoing training to prepare you for career progression. There are various levels of certification.
Want to learn more about what it's like to work for APS? Watch the Working for Adult Protective Services video.