APS Investigator Specialist

Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I Agency: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Location: Corpus Christi, TX (4201 Greenwood Dr) About the Role 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. As an APS Investigator Specialist, you protect elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The job is challenging and stressful at times but offers learning opportunities about families, community and one’s own growth. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. Benefits 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save 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 gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment Functional Title & Job Details Functional Title: APS Investigator Specialist Job Title: APS INV Specialist I Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Services Department: Region 11 APS In-Home Dir Del Posting Number: 18523 Closing Date: 07/15/2026 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 Additional Shift: None 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: Corpus Christi Job Location Address: 4201 GREENWOOD DR Essential Job Functions Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess the urgency of the problem 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 be taken 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 in order to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications This position requires use of 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, a 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: 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 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: 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. In addition, employment as a Specialist I for nine months with certification OR employment as Specialist II in DFPS OR previous employment as Specialist II in DFPS. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III: 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. In addition, employment as a Specialist II for nine months with certification OR employment as Specialist III in DFPS OR previous employment as Specialist III in DFPS. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV: 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. In addition, employment as a Specialist III for 24 months with certification OR employment as Specialist IV in DFPS OR previous employment as Specialist IV in DFPS. 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 may not exceed the maximum of the pay group. Physical requirements may be added by individual agencies. Typical requirements include standing, hearing, talking, climbing, and lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly. Visual requirements include seeing objects clearly at 20 inches or less and at 20 or more feet. Working conditions include a mobile environment with occasional exposure to extreme heat, wetness, humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights. The APS Professional Education Program reimburses eligible staff for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year for a BA/MA relevant to APS work. Business‑related travel is reimbursed at the state‑approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers. Frequent travel to homes and offices both within and outside the assigned region is required. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel 60% of the time is essential, with occasional overnight travel. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. Applicant Requirements Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. State of Texas employees must maintain security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. Compliance requires related training and adherence to agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies. DFPS is required to ensure all electronic information resources follow accessibility standards. Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 for Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. DFPS uses E‑Verify. Applicants must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work and provide documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the US. For acceptable documents, see In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance completing the online application or obtaining accommodation for an interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr