Adult Protection Specialist

Overview

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

As an Adult Protective Services (APS) Specialist 1–3 with the Louisiana Department of Health-Office of Aging & Adult Services, you’ll be on the front lines of safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This role blends investigative work, critical decision‑making, and compassionate advocacy as you assess risk, develop protective interventions, and collaborate with legal and law‑enforcement partners. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive in complex situations, and want a career where your work truly changes lives, this is your opportunity to serve with impact.

• Review and screen reports of alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation, or extortion to determine eligibility for Adult Protective Services in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
• Conduct comprehensive investigations of reported allegations involving vulnerable adults in community settings, state‑operated facilities, and unlicensed group homes.
• Assess disabled and vulnerable adults in high‑risk situations to determine safety, capacity, and immediate service needs.
• Develop, initiate, and implement appropriate service plans and interventions to reduce risk, stop abuse, and stabilize situations.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of service plans, coordinating with service providers and community resources to ensure ongoing protection and resolution.
• Initiate referrals for appropriate civil and/or criminal legal action and collaborate with legal staff, law enforcement, district attorneys, and courts as required.
• Prepare and present investigative findings, including providing testimony in court when required, and maintain accurate electronic case documentation using database systems and standard office software.

Four years of social services experience; OR

Six years of full‑time work experience plus one year of social services experience; OR

A bachelor’s degree plus one year of social services experience; OR

A master’s degree in social work, a social science, education, counseling or vocational rehabilitation.

Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full‑time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Location: Office of Aging and Adult Services / Headquarters - AD ADULT PROTECT SVCS COMM-RO2 / East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointment

Cost Center:

Position Number(s): ;

Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Adult Protection Specialist 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.

Compensation: This position is also eligible for an additional $2.00 per work hour premium pay.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Debbie Parris-Thymes

Debbie.

Parris-Thymes2

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

This organization participates in E‑verify, and for more information on E‑verify, please contact DHS at

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.