APS Investigator Specialist

Job Overview Posting ID: 17692 Posted - Dept of Family & Protective Services - Region 3 APS In-Home Dir Del - Protective Services - Not Eligible for Telework - $3000 - $4999 per month The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save. Here’s what you get as a full‑time employee: 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out‑of‑pocket medical costs Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for) Optional dental, vision, and life insurance —at rates much lower than most private plans Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment Functional Title and Basic Information Functional Title: APS Investigator Specialist Job Title: APS INV Specialist I Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Services Department: Region 3 APS In-Home Dir Del Posting Number: 17692 Closing Date: 06/24/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $3,816.65‑$5,372.41 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS‑B‑17 Shift: Day Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 75% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Nonexempt Job Location City: FORT WORTH Job Location Address: 2270 MALL CIR. Brief Job Description An APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role is challenging and stressful at times but offers significant opportunities to learn about families, community, and self. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. Essential Job Functions Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess urgency by interviewing clients, family members and others to gather social, functional, physical and mental‑emotional information for evaluation. Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24‑hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation. Determines temporary or long‑term action to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of an adult protective services client, including counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referral services, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when necessary, and providing ongoing services. Develops individualized service plans to meet the needs of the adult protective services client and maintains detailed documentation on each case. Makes presentations and participates in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program. Prepares routine, statistical and special reports for management. Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards. Knowledge of Texas laws relating to adult protective services. Knowledge of gerontology and the dynamics of the aging process. Knowledge of special problems of the aged and disabled. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills. Knowledge of differing cultures/ethnic groups and values. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skill in effective verbal and written communication. Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse/neglect complaints. Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly and to help them meet particular needs and alleviate problems. Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages. Ability to operate standard office equipment including fax and copy machines. Ability to make home visits in isolated or high crime areas that may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions. Ability to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications This position requires the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants must have a reliable motor vehicle, an acceptable driving record for the past five years, current valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license. Initial Screening Criteria Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at‑risk populations. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at‑risk populations. Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at‑risk populations. Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at‑risk populations. Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Preferred Criteria Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field. Experience working in a government agency, nonprofit, or school providing support to individuals or families in need, including children, adults, older adults, or people with disabilities. Prior experience in case management, investigations, law enforcement, or courtroom testimony related to protective services, social services, or family and adult welfare. Experience conducting interviews or assessments with individuals or families regarding highly sensitive matters. Additional Information This position may be filled at any level from an APS Specialist I to APS Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group. Physical Requirements Physical Activities: Frequently asked to stand, hear, and talk; occasionally asked to climb. Physical Demands: Exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible force constantly to move objects. Visual Requirements: Must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet; adjust eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions. Working Conditions: Typically works in a mobile environment (majority of work outside office) and is exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including extreme heat, wetness, humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights. Travel and Mobility APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers. They spend the majority of their workday “in the field” conducting home visits. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel 60% of the time, including occasional overnight travel, are mandatory. Military Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria may include active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. Background Check and Security Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. State of Texas employees must maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in applicable statutes and complete related training. Accessibility and E‑Verify DFPS follows accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508). DFPS uses E‑Verify; applicants must provide I‑9 documentation on the first day of work. ADA Accommodation DFPS will provide reasonable accommodation during hiring and selection for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center for assistance with the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY