Salary : $78,001.00 - $109,112.00 Annually
Location : Willmar, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:Department: Health and Human Services
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 4:30 PM Central
Description The hiring range for this position is $78,001 - $87,236. The full range for this position is $78,001 - $109,112.
The Adult Protection Specialist plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable adults in Kandiyohi County by conducting adult protection investigations, assessing safety risks, coordinating protective interventions, and providing ongoing case management services. This position is responsible for screening reports of alleged maltreatment of vulnerable adults, conducting comprehensive investigations, interviewing vulnerable adults, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts, and collaborating with law enforcement and community partners when criminal activity is suspected. The Adult Protection Specialist evaluates an individual's capacity, safety needs, and available supports while developing and implementing service plans designed to promote safety, independence, and well-being. Responsibilities may include preparing legal documentation, filing petitions, and providing testimony in court proceedings when necessary to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults. This position serves a diverse population including older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and other vulnerable populations. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, emotional resilience, and the ability to work effectively within legal frameworks and agency policies while maintaining confidentiality at all times are essential.
Job Duties - Conduct adult protection intake screening and assess reports of alleged maltreatment involving vulnerable adults.
- Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and other forms of maltreatment in accordance with Minnesota statutes and agency policy.
- Interview vulnerable adults, alleged perpetrators, family members, caregivers, and collateral contacts to gather information and assess risk.
- Collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies when allegations involve criminal activity.
- Assess vulnerable adults' competency, decision-making capacity, and ability to maintain personal safety.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans to address protection needs and promote client well-being.
- Provide ongoing case management services, including regular client contact and coordination of services and supports.
- Refer clients to appropriate community resources, healthcare providers, mental health services, housing supports, and other programs as needed.
- Prepare and maintain accurate and timely documentation, assessments, case notes, investigative findings, and required state reporting tools.
- Prepare legal documentation, file petitions when appropriate, and testify in court proceedings regarding adult protection matters.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, mental health professionals, law enforcement, legal representatives, service providers, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
- Monitor client progress and reassess safety concerns to ensure continued protection and appropriate services.
- Utilize trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive practices when engaging with vulnerable adults and their support systems.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field required.
- Two (2) years of related experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 2,000 hours of supervised experience providing services to adult mental health consumers preferred but not required.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
- Must pass a criminal background check and meet DHS requirements for working with vulnerable populations.
Supplemental Information Skills and Abilities- Strong knowledge of adult protection laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
- Ability to identify safety risks and make informed decisions regarding immediate protection needs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports and court documentation.
- Strong interviewing and assessment skills when working with vulnerable adults, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts.
- Ability to assess complex situations, analyze information, and make sound professional judgments.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently while seeking supervision and consultation when appropriate.
- Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing priorities and emergent situations.
- Knowledge of community resources and service systems available to vulnerable adults.
- Ability to build professional relationships and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to ethical, person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice.
- High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency with electronic case management systems and standard office software.
Physical Demands- Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the day to perform both office and fieldwork.
- Ability to travel frequently within and outside the county for client visits, court appearances, and meetings.
- Must be able to lift and carry files or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in emotionally demanding and high-stress environments involving crisis situations and vulnerable populations.
- Must be able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Kandiyohi County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, PERA retirement, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick/ESST leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field?
02
How many years of experience do you have providing case management or related services?
- 5+ years
- 3-5 years
- 1-3 years
- Less than 1 year
- No experience
03
Do you have experience coordinating services with clients, families, medical providers, community agencies, or long-term care providers?
- Yes - 5+ years
- Yes - 3-5 years
- Yes - 1-3 years
- Yes - Less than 1 year
- No
04
How many years of experience do you have working with vulnerable adults, including older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with mental illness, or other adults needing protective or supportive services?
- 5+ years of experience
- 3 - 5 years of experience
- 1 - 3 years of experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- No experience
05
How much experience do you have conducting investigations, assessments, or interviews involving allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or other maltreatment?
- 5+ years of experience
- 3 - 5 years of experience
- 1 - 3 years of experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- No experience
06
How many years of experience do you have using SSIS, MMIS, or other electronic client documentation systems?
- 5+ years
- 3-5 years
- 1-3 years
- Less than 1 year
- No experience
07
How much experience do you have assessing client safety, risk, decision-making capacity, or the need for protective interventions?
- 5+ years of experience
- 3 - 5 years of experience
- 1 - 3 years of experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- No experience
08
Are you able to travel for client visits, provider meetings, and trainings as required by the position?
09
If you answered "Yes" to being a Veteran, please indicate whether you would like to claim Veteran's Preference Points:
- Yes - I am a qualified veteran who served during a qualifying wartime period.
- Yes - I am a disabled veteran with a 10% or higher disability rating.
- Yes - I am the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to work due to their disability.
- No - I do not wish to claim Veteran's Preference Points.
10
If you selected "Yes" to the question above, please upload a copy of your DD214 as an attachment to this application. By initialing below, you confirm that you have uploaded this document.
Required Question
