Protective Services Representative

Protective Services Representative Opportunity:

The Protective Services Representative is responsible for carrying out the duties defined under Wisconsin State Statutes to ensure the safety, well-being, and self-determination of vulnerable adults (age 18 and older) who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. This position receives and investigates reports; provides crisis intervention; conducts field assessments; initiates guardianship and protective placement actions; and coordinates with medical, legal, and community partners to ensure adults at risk are protected in the least restrictive environment.

What You’ll Get:

• The starting pay range for this role is $29.84-$32.50 based on education and experience.
• This job is a full-time, in person position, usually working 8:00am – 4:30pm on weekdays.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, employee assistance program, newly updated facility, and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you are eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What You Bring:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field.
• More than 1 year of experience in social work or a human services role.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.
• Must meet and continue to meet all requirements for insurability under the organization's vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be authorized to operate any vehicle and transport clients, patients, or staff as required by the position.

Preferred:

• More than 2 years in protective services or an adult care related field.
• Social Work Certification (CSW)
• Working knowledge of Wisconsin Chapters 54,55,46.90 and 51.

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position

What a Protective Services Representative does at NCHC:

• Receive, assess, and investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes and DHS APS guidelines.
• Conduct crisis intervention, field investigations, safety assessments, interviews, and home visits in sometimes unpredictable or unsafe conditions.
• Review medical, financial, and collateral information to determine risk and support safety planning.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal professionals, and community agencies to ensure safety and stabilization.

• Document all findings and actions in required systems, including the State of Wisconsin Incident Tracking System.
• Initiate and complete petitions for guardianship and/or protective placement when investigations support need.

• Obtain and coordinate required medical evaluations, Statements of Incapacity, and collateral assessments.
• Prepare and submit petitions, reports, and court documents; coordinate Guardian ad Litem and proposed guardians.
• Testify as an expert witness and present findings to the court, ensuring compliance with statutory timelines.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and determine the least restrictive placement options.
• Conduct investigations and recommendations regarding guardian conduct or removal when necessary.
• Complete required annual comprehensive evaluations for court-ordered protective placements.

• Assess whether guardianship and placement remain necessary and evaluate whether the current environment is the least restrictive option.
• Prepare and submit annual reviews and recommendations to the court; testify as required.
• Coordinate transportation, collateral testimony, and emergency protective placement actions as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, service providers, law enforcement, senior living facilities, and financial institutions.

• Promote awareness of APS reporting requirements and vulnerable adult protections.
• Participate in morning team huddles, staffing meetings, legal coordination meetings, and case planning discussions.

• Attend court hearings, care conferences, and agency coordination meetings as required.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to APS confidentiality and ethical practice standards.

• Provide timely reports, follow-ups, and notifications in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Combination of office work, home visits, client transport, and field investigations.
• Frequent driving throughout the tri-county region (Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade).
• Moderate exposure to household hazards, unsafe living environments, adverse weather, communicable diseases, and agitated or hostile individuals.
• Regularly requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must maintain visual and auditory acuity required for safety assessment, communication, and emergency response.

Who We Are:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers (http://www.norcen.org/careers) to learn more.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.