Adult Protective Services Unit Intern

The role of the Division of Senior and Disability Services is to ensure the protection of elderly and disabled adults who are unable to provide or secure services for themselves by ensuring a safe and healthy environment. DSDS is mandated by statute to investigate all reported abuse, neglect and exploitation involving disabled or elderly adults who are unable to protect their own interest. The adult Protective Services Policy Unit provides support to field staff by preparing and/or updating policies that direct their activities. The unit also provides policy clarifications when there are questions, conducts training and presentations, acts as a custodian of records, assists with and directs grants to enhance adult protective services and other special projects.

This opportunity is directed toward graduate-level students interested in the provision of adult protective services at the policy and planning level. The student will have the opportunity to shadow hotline intake workers and field workers responding to calls of concern. The student would then apply what they have learned to the policy level and assist with policy development. There will also be opportunities to assist with an existing grant process. The policy unit has multiple projects the student may help with including quality assurance, case reviews, data analysis, constituent inquiries and writing letters/articles for varying audiences.