Holly Lichtman

Supervision & Staff Management

• Directly supervise APS caseworkers and investigators
• Assign caseloads and monitor workload balance
• Provide coaching, training, and performance evaluations
• Review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Support staff in handling complex or high-risk cases

Case Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Review and approve investigations involving abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation
• Ensure cases follow Illinois APS policies, timelines, and legal requirements
• Guide staff on risk assessments and safety planning
• Step in on critical cases (e.g., life-threatening situations)
• Ensure proper documentation in state systems

Policy Compliance & Legal Coordination

• Ensure adherence to the Illinois Adult Protective Services Act and related regulations
• Coordinate with law enforcement, courts, and legal entities
• Assist with subpoenas, testimony, and court reports when needed
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards

Community Collaboration

• Build partnerships with:
• Hospitals and healthcare providers
• Law enforcement agencies
• Social service organizations
• Long-term care facilities
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings
• Represent APS in community outreach and education

Reporting & Administrative Duties

• Track case metrics, outcomes, and program performance
• Prepare reports for state agencies or funding bodies
• Monitor compliance with grant or program requirements
• Manage scheduling, staffing coverage, and emergency response readiness

Crisis Management

• Respond to urgent or high-risk reports of abuse or neglect
• Support staff during emergency interventions
• Make decisions on immediate protective actions (e.g., emergency services, guardianship referrals)

Training & Development

• Ensure staff receive ongoing training in:
• Abuse detection and investigation
• Trauma-informed care
• Cultural competency
• Stay updated on Illinois laws, policies, and best practices

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Set team priorities and ensure service quality
• Implement policy changes from the state APS program
• Identify service gaps and improve program effectiveness

Key Skills Required

• Leadership and decision-making
• Knowledge of APS laws and social services
• Crisis intervention
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Analytical and documentation skills

• Assessment & Screening: Evaluate clients’ mental health, behavioral needs, and risk factors to determine appropriate levels of care.
  Care Coordination: Link clients with appropriate providers, services, and community resources while ensuring continuity of care.
  Utilization Review: Monitor and authorize services to ensure they are medically necessary, cost-effective, and aligned with insurance guidelines.
  Treatment Planning: Collaborate with providers and clients to develop and adjust care plans based on progress and needs.
  Crisis Intervention: Respond to urgent behavioral health situations and help stabilize clients.
  Advocacy: Support clients in accessing benefits, reducing barriers to care, and navigating complex healthcare systems.
  Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records and ensure services meet regulatory and organizational standards.
  Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with healthcare providers, insurers, and case managers to improve outcomes and efficiency.
  

• Conducted comprehensive assessments for patient care planning and treatment evaluation.
• Collaborated with medical teams to integrate social services into patient treatment plans.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote healing and coping strategies among patients.
• Developed discharge plans to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
• Coordinated with community resources to enhance patient support systems and services.
• Documented patient progress and interventions in health record systems accurately.