APS Investigator - Sierra Vista Arizona
- Department of Economic Security
- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA
- Mar 24, 2026
Job Description
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATOR
Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS)
2981 East Tacoma Street, Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635
1140 F Avenue, Douglas, Arizona 85607
Salary: $21.5021 - $22.5962 hourly
Grade: 18
Closing Date:
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
Do you have a desire to support the vulnerable? Adult Protective Services (APS) seeks individuals to join our team as an APS Field Investigator. As an investigator, you will investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults (those unable to defend themselves), 18 years of age or older. This is an ideal position for someone who is highly motivated, has problem solving and decision-making skills, enjoys working independently in the field, and can provide comfort and resources to those who need help. You will interact with adults and family members in their home or care facilities and coordinate with external partners that range from caregivers, medical personnel, police, public fiduciaries, the public, and others in the course of your investigations. If you are passionate about protecting the most vulnerable adults in Arizona, we want you on our team! Please review the video to learn more about the APS Investigator's role and responsibilities - https://youtu.be/GvhJuHQ1SCU.
Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Investigates, assesses, evaluates, documents, and provides referral of appropriate services for the most complex case investigations involving vulnerable and incapacitated adults, 18 years of age or older, alleged to be abused, neglected and/or exploited.
● Determines if there is a need for protective and/or social services.
● Makes time-sensitive contacts with clients and interviews anyone who may have information regarding the situation.
● Writes various assessments and summaries regarding the case.
● Analyzes a variety of complex documents.
Knowledge of:
● Physical and behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse of adults with mental disabilities or seriously mentally ill and frail elderly
● Case investigation and social work practices and principles (e.g., elder rights, psychological abuse, adult maltreatment, etc.)
● Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms
Skills in:
● Oral and written communication
● Time management and organization
● Critical thinking
● Using computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, Google Suite, etc.)
Ability to:
● Understand and apply Federal and state statutes, APS regulations, policies and procedures related to reporting of vulnerable adult maltreatment.
● Write clear, concise, and accurate reports.
● Quickly assess, prioritize, and process report cases when received.
● Handle clients and callers in a professional, calm manner eliciting information quickly and efficiently.
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
● Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation, Healthcare, or a closely related field OR
● One (1) year of experience providing professional Case Management / Investigations Services (Intake, Needs Assessment, Service Planning, and Monitoring and Evaluation)
● In-state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
● Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
● Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
● A.R.S. 41-1968 Each employee of the department who has contact with children or vulnerable adults shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. 41-1758.07.
● All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
● Flexibility in willingness to work longer shift hours or after-hours coverage, if necessary.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.
Welcome to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision that every child, adult, and family in Arizona will be safe and economically secure.
DES works to promote enhanced safety and well-being for Arizonans by focusing on three primary goals:
- Strengthening individuals and families;
- Increasing self-sufficiency; and,
- Developing the capacity of communities.
Whether you are an individual who needs help, a potential employee passionate about helping others, or a part of the extensive network of human service professionals throughout Arizona dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families, we look forward to working with you to create a better tomorrow by providing support today.
Our History:
In 1972, The Department of Economic Security (DES) was established by consolidating multiple state agencies to provide an integrated approach to human services.
In 2014, the Arizona Legislature created the Department of Child Safety, which officially moved Child Protective Services out of DES and made it a stand-alone agency.
Today, DES invests approximately $4 billion annually to assist more than 2.9 million Arizonans. Our staff of more than 7,700 team members strive daily to provide timely, accurate and beneficial services to assist those in need.
Our Mission:
The Department of Economic Security makes Arizona stronger by helping Arizonans reach their potential through temporary assistance for those in need, and care for the vulnerable.
True North:
All Arizonans who qualify receive timely DES services and achieve their potential.
Our Values:
- Accountability – We commit to excellence, innovation and transparency.
- Integrity – We are trustworthy, honest and reliable.
- Respect – We appreciate each other, and value those we serve.
- Teamwork – We collaborate with humility, and partner with kindness.
- Diversity – We respect all Arizonans, and honor those in need.
Our Goals:
- Serve Arizonans with integrity, humility and kindness
- Support Arizonans to reach their potential through social services that train, rehabilitate, and connect them with job creators
- Provide temporary assistance to Arizonans in need while they work toward greater self-sufficiency
- Provide children with food, health care, and parental financial support; provide services to individuals with disabilities; and protect the vulnerable by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Our work must continually demonstrate these values every day, through our interactions with the public and our fellow colleagues as we focus on building the capacity of the people we serve.
Each Division and every employee of DES must relate these values to their specific work so that they can become a meaningful part of their daily interactions. In this way, we all share ownership of these values and are able to relate them to our vision and our daily work, regardless of our position or job site within DES.
Our Community Partnerships
DES works with community partners statewide to administer programs and services to expand its reach to vulnerable populations. The Division of Aging and Adult Services contracts with dozens of organizations to provide homeless and domestic violence shelter services, resources for older adults, hunger relief through the state’s regional food banks, and other community action programs and services. The Office of Community Engagement collaborates with other community partners that provide similar services to the same populations to provide a comprehensive network of support to Arizonans. This collaboration includes co-locating DES staff within different community organizations to meet clients where they are already going to receive services.