APS INV Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Performs advanced (senior-level) adult protective services work. Work involves investigating and analyzing the individual needs of APS clients with regard to abuse, neglect or exploitation; and making a service plan to address A/N/E as appropriate for adults with disabilities and the elderly; monitoring and overseeing casework activities. Conducts special projects to define program issues. Serves as a liaison with community groups related to adult welfare. Addresses community groups on agency programs, resources, and limitations. Develops community resources to serve the needs of clients. Testifies in court as appropriate. Performs related work as assigned.  May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly and adults with disabilities; community social services resources; the laws and regulations related to adult protective services; gerontology and the dynamics of the aging process; special challenges related to adults with disabilities and the elderly; differing cultures/ethnic groups and values; and crisis intervention techniques and skills.
• Skill in interviewing and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Skill in investigating abuse, neglect and financial exploitation
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Skill in use of mobile technology.
• Ability to obtain information and conduct investigations; to develop client programs; to evaluate living conditions; to prepare reports; to testify in court; to develop community resources; to develop policies, procedures, and standards; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to work effectively with difficult cases.
• Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly to help them meet individual needs and alleviate A/N/E.
• 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 engage with violent and dangerous individuals.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Applicants for positions which require, as part of the essential functions of the job, driving a motor vehicle, must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record and license.
• Two full years of Adult Protective Services Specialist experience with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Experience in social work.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field is generally preferred.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Responsibilities

• 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 to include conducting a thorough investigation, requesting bank records, LE reports, medical records, developing a service plan with clients and caregivers input, providing information and referral services, testifying in court, seeking court orders pertaining to APS casework, seeking least restrictive alternatives to guardianship, and initializing 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.
• Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
• Travels throughout district to investigate A/N/E.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees