Human Services Investigator

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$38.03 - $46.77 Hourly

Department:

Department of County Human Services (DCHS)

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

August 14, 2026

The Opportunity:

This recruitment will close when 150 applications has been received or when the above closing date has been reached, whichever comes first.

Overview:

THIS WORK MATTERS!

The Division is required by law to investigate allegations of abuse/neglect to adults served in IDDSD, process DAN (Death, Abuse, and Neglect) referrals, and ensure actions are taken regarding the health and safety of all individuals served. 

This position serves as the designee of the State of Oregon's DHS by conducting abuse/neglect investigations for adult individuals with developmental disabilities and writing comprehensive and justifiable investigative reports within a 55-day time frame, according to statute.  

The job function for this position is to receive, review, and assess reports related to death, abuse, or neglect for all individuals enrolled with DDSD. This position documents justifiable screening decisions and determinations if the event meets criteria for investigation. This position assigns appropriate recommended actions and follow-up to division staff, contract agencies, and community partners to ensure the health and safety of those enrolled. ‌ Additional primary job function for this position includes completing thorough, complex field investigations when the referral meets criteria of  abuse/neglect, as defined by Oregon Administrative Rules. This position ensures law enforcement involvement as appropriate, and completes justifiable, comprehensive written reports, which may be used in a hearing and/or in conjunction with criminal charges when a law enforcement investigation is conducted

As the Human Services Investigator, other duties will include:

• Conduct thorough and frequent, complex death reviews and investigations regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect of adult individuals served by IDDSD. 

• Identify legal issues, determine jurisdiction, and plan the scope, timing, and direction of the investigative inquiry

• Confer with law enforcement or regulatory jurisdictions to identify additional evidence or information needed to coordinate the investigation

• Conduct in-depth interviews with the community, victim, accused person, and witnesses. This may include taking photographs related to the investigation

• Collect, compile, and analyze information and data in order to conclude that may be used in a hearing

• Prepare comprehensive and justifiable reports that include witness statements, evidence, and exhibits, summary and conclusion-based review of all records

• Assess the need for protective services; determine and assign the appropriate recommended action needed or opens the concern for investigation

• Assign division staff to take appropriate action in order to ensure health and safety of the client. Initiates relocation of alleged victim in need for safety

An ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices that actively do not re-traumatize individuals and communities

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and laws of investigations 

• Knowledge of systems and services for people impacted by intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

• Ability to work with a team to achieve good outcomes

• Ability to successfully complete duties and assignments that are complex and difficult

• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful situations involving people demonstrating anxious, angry and/or uncooperative behavior

• Ability to prepare comprehensive written reports

• Comfort with frequent and significant change

Multnomah County values and supports diversity and inclusion. We do this by creating a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As