APS Investigator Specialist

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. Benefits 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 You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster. Brief Job Description An APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. This role can be stressful at times, but offers unique opportunities to learn about families, your community, and yourself. Newly hired employees holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) 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 a client, including counseling, providing referrals, testifying in court, arranging alternate housing, and providing ongoing services. Develops individualized service plans to meet client needs and maintains detailed documentation. Makes presentations and participates in community awareness activities to inform the public about the program. Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management. Serves in a lead capacity in the absence of a supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations. Promotes and demonstrates respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts. Attends work regularly in accordance with the agency leave policy. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 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 use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants must have a reliable motor vehicle and 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 must 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. Example qualifications include employment as an APS Investigator Specialist I for 9 months and receipt of an APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II, or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II. 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. Example qualifications include employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II for 9 months and receipt of an Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III, or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III. 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. Example qualifications include employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III for 24 months and receipt of a Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current employment as an APS Investigator Specialist IV, or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist IV. 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. The starting salary may not exceed the maximum of the pay group. Physical Requirements Physical Activities: He/she is frequently asked to stand, hear, and talk; occasionally to climb. Physical Demands: The incumbent typically performs work that requires exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds of force frequently, or negligible force constantly to move objects. Visual Requirements: The incumbent 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 He/she typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside the office) and may be exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including 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. To be eligible, you must be an APS employee with one year of full‑time continuous employment, enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program relevant to APS work, and any position within APS can apply. Business‑related travel is reimbursed at the state‑approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy. E‑Verify and ADA DFPS uses E‑Verify. Bring your I‑9 documentation on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show identity and authorization to work in the US. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Department of Family & Protective Services