Joe Molina: Protecting the Elderly & Dependent Adults

SEIU Local 221 members provide vital services that keep our communities a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. The following member profile highlights the important work Local 221 members perform for our communities.

Joe Molina

San Diego County Adult Protective Services Worker Joe Molina is on the front lines of keeping our most fragile residents safe. When the well-being of the elderly and dependent adults is threatened, Molina goes into action.

“I look into abuse allegations and see what intervention is needed,” Molina said.

Molina typically gets clients referred to him by law enforcement, medical staff, and other mandated reporters. He sees a wide range of cases, everything from physical and mental abuse to financial exploitation and self-neglect.

Molina explained that elder/dependent adult abuse can be a tricky situation, because it is sometimes perpetrated by a relative or friend.

“It’s difficult because family members may try to protect the suspected abuser,” Molina said.

Molina has been with San Diego County for 23 years, working in Adult Protective Services (APS) the past six years. Molina has also worked at a variety of social service programs such as Income Maintenance Program, In Home Support Services (IHSS), AIDS case management, AIDS waiver program, and the Linkages Case Management Program. Prior to his service at the county, Molina worked with Catholic Charities for seven years.

Although his job is challenging, Molina said he has found his niche in the social service field.

“I like helping people and seeing that it makes a difference,” Molina said. “It’s good to be able to protect people and make their lives better.”

Molina also believes having a union gives him the strength and support he needs to continue to deliver quality public services to San Diego residents.

“Having a union has made a difference for me, especially when it comes to representation and bargaining,” Molina said.