APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Texas City, TX

2d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The APS Investigator Specialist protects elderly adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, evaluates clients’ needs and safety, and provides or arranges services to address immediate and ongoing risks. Work can be challenging and stressful, and involves frequent field visits, sensitive interviews, and interaction with difficult or dangerous situations.

APS Investigator Specialists develop individualized service plans, document cases, provide referrals and other support, and may testify in court to seek emergency protective services. They also participate in community awareness activities, prepare reports, and may serve in a lead capacity when a supervisor is absent. The position requires after-hours and weekend coverage, on-call availability, substantial travel, and work in varied and sometimes adverse environments. It is a mobile field role, not a work-from-home position.

The position is based in Texas City, Texas, with other locations listed in Galveston. The posting indicates travel of up to 70%; additional information says staff can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time, including travel outside assigned counties, occasional last-minute trips, and some overnight travel. Business travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.

The position may be filled at APS Investigator Specialist levels I through IV, with starting salary determined in part by education and experience and capped at the pay group's maximum. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting-salary increase. Eligible APS employees may be reimbursed for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to the stated eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• For APS Investigator Specialist I, an accredited bachelor’s degree; or an accredited associate’s degree plus two years of relevant work experience; or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience; or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience. Relevant experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
• For APS Investigator Specialist II, the education and experience criteria listed for Specialist I, plus nine months employed as an APS Investigator Specialist I and the APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II with Texas DFPS.
• For APS Investigator Specialist III, the education and experience criteria listed for Specialist I, plus 9 months employed as an APS Investigator Specialist II and the Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III with Texas DFPS.
• For APS Investigator Specialist IV, the education and experience criteria listed for Specialist I, plus 24 months employed as an APS Investigator Specialist III and the Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist IV with Texas DFPS.
• Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and the aging process; special problems of older and disabled people; crisis intervention techniques; and the cultures, ethnic groups, and values of others.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse or neglect complaints; empathize with and encourage older adults and adults with disabilities; help them meet needs and alleviate problems; and work with violent and dangerous individuals.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, various software packages, and standard office equipment, including fax and copy machines.
• Ability to make home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and handle potential exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions.
• Ability to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions; a reliable vehicle, 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 are required. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
• Must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Frequent travel to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region; some last-minute and overnight travel may be required.
• Must meet the stated physical and visual requirements, with reasonable accommodations possible.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in a government agency, nonprofit, or school supporting individuals or families in need, including children, adults, older adults, or people with disabilities.
• Prior case management, investigations, law enforcement, or courtroom testimony experience related to protective services, social services, or family and adult welfare.
• Experience conducting interviews or assessments with individuals or families regarding highly sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults and assess urgency through interviews and collection of social, functional, physical, and mental-emotional information.
• Provide services outside normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24-hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Determine temporary or long-term actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to a client’s life or health, including counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referrals, seeking emergency protective services in court, finding alternate housing when necessary, and providing ongoing services.
• Develop individualized service plans and maintain detailed documentation for each case.
• Make presentations and participate in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program.
• Prepare routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
• Serve in a lead capacity when the supervisor is absent.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Conduct field and home visits to interview clients and alleged perpetrators and engage with the community.
• Be available on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions and travel frequently within and outside the assigned region.
• Comply with agency cybersecurity and communications-system policies and complete related security training.
• Create accessible content in accordance with applicable accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508, as required by staff duties.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save through 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Eligible APS employees may receive tuition and fee reimbursement up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate according to DFPS policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree