Mendocino County Adult Protective Services

APS helps elders (60 years and older) and dependent adults (18-59 who are disabled) when these adults are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. APS investigates allegations of abuse and neglect, including self-neglect, and provides information and referral, assessment, and short-term case management. These services are available to any elder or dependent adult regardless of income.

Students will be paired with a social worker where they will learn interviewing skills, documentation, investigation of reports of abuse, development of service plans, completion of risk assessments, referrals to community partners, interaction with partner agency staff, familiarity with local resources, navigating the public assisstance application process, accessing housing services, interacting with elderly individuals and disabled adults, assessment of cognitive ability, provision of emergency food, and other skills necessary for serving clients in the Adult Protective Services Program. 

Students should be self-motivated, resourceful, able to handle difficult emotional situations, and be able to cope with unpleasant environments in terms of pests, hoarding, odors, etc. Students should be inquisitive and ask questions, take direction from the assigned social worker or other county staff, and maintain confidentiality of clients and case information.