Nurse Investigator / Consultant

JOB DESCRIPTION

                TITLE:       NURSE INVESTIGATOR/CONSULTANT – OLDER ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES (OAPS)

DEFINITION:  Under the supervision of an Older Adult Protective Services Supervisor, the Nurse Investigator is responsible for providing investigation, intervention, assessment, and short‑term case management services for consumers age 60 and above who are at risk of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A valid RN license and two years of experience in community home health.  Ability to function independently as staff educator, multi‑disciplinary team member and consultant.  Second language abilities preferred.   Experience addressing complex psychosocial, medical, legal, and ethical client situations is a major consideration.  Ability to work with challenging clients and skill in case assessment are essential. 

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

1. Investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and if indicated conducts  a thorough assessment and develops care plans for consumers, collaterals and informals. Assesses need for emergency intervention and testifies in court as needed.
    
2. Resolves issues related to very complex cases involving medical and psychiatric problems.
    
3. Provides guidance and direction to fellow investigators working with very high-risk  consumers who present complex medical and psychiatric symptoms. 
    
4. Advises investigators about laws, regulations, and policies governing services to frail,  mentally ill, physically and financially vulnerable consumers. 
    
5. Documents all case activity in accordance with State regulations, agency policies, and best  practice.
    
6. Identifies resources and service gaps and participates in joint planning with health,   mental health, and other human services agencies to strengthen coordination and continuity of care.
    
7. Establishes relationships with mental health, health, legal, housing and welfare providers  so that access to services can occur with a minimum of delay and collaboration on cases is  ensured.
    
8. Arranges and conducts case conferences and participates in on‑going problem‑solving,   program evaluation and development with all staff.
    
9. Collaborates with staff of other PCA long term care departments, meeting with them      regularly to problem‑solve.
    
10. Participates in orientation and training of new hires and conducts in-services with the rest  of the OAPS department.
     
11. Attends regular staff and unit meetings.
     
12. Receives training from the PDA in Older Adult Protective Services Investigations and    performs the duties of backup Investigator when required.
     
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.
     
     
    This position requires:

• A report of criminal history record information from the state or Federal Government.
• A valid driver's license, a good driving record and access to a fully insured car and, when  necessary, transporting of clients.
• Availability via PCA cell phone at all times during scheduled working hours, including lunch hours, meetings, etc.
• Completion of Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Older Adult Protective Services      training as set forth in the Regulations.
• Review and signature of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Confidentiality  Statement.
   
   
        Salary $68,457.48-$79,248.09