APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•BEEVILLE, TX

4d•$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 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses clients’ needs and risks, and provides or arranges services to address threats to their safety and health. The position may involve stressful situations and working with difficult, violent, or dangerous individuals. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers who spend most of their workday in the field conducting home visits, interviewing clients and alleged perpetrators, and engaging with the community. The position requires frequent travel, including travel outside the assigned region and occasional overnight travel. It is not a work-from-home position. The specialist may provide services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24-hour coverage, and must be available on call to receive reports. The position is based in Bee County, Texas, and is listed as APS Investigator Specialist I, though it may be filled at any level from I through IV. Salary may take education and experience into account, is listed as $3,816.65–$5,372.41 per month, and may not exceed 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. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement. Eligible APS employees may also receive reimbursement for relevant bachelor's- or master's-level tuition and fees, up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to the stated eligibility conditions. Business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.

Requirements

For 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.
Reliable personal motor 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; proof of driving record, insurance, and license is required.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and aging; special problems of older and disabled adults; crisis intervention techniques; and differing cultures, ethnic groups, and values.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse and neglect complaints; empathize with and encourage older adults and adults with disabilities; and help address their needs and problems.
Ability to operate a personal computer, software packages, and standard office equipment, including fax and copy machines.
Ability to make home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and tolerate possible exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to be on call to receive abuse, neglect, and exploitation reports and to work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including outside the assigned counties and occasionally overnight, and to work in the field rather than from home.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
For Specialist II, in addition to the listed education and experience criteria, the posting requires employment as an APS Investigator Specialist I for nine months and APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II with DFPS.
For Specialist III, in addition to the listed education and experience criteria, the posting requires employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II for nine months and Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III with DFPS.
For Specialist IV, in addition to the listed education and experience criteria, the posting requires employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III for 24 months and Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist IV with DFPS.
Meet the stated physical requirements, including frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; and occasional lifting or exertion up to 20 pounds.

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 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 about highly sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults and assess urgency by interviewing clients, family members, and others to gather social, functional, physical, and mental-emotional information.
Provide services after 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 lessen immediate threats to clients’ lives or health, including counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referrals, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when necessary, and providing ongoing services.
Develop individualized service plans and maintain detailed case documentation.
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 in the supervisor’s absence.
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 frequent field visits and travel to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region, including occasional overnight travel.
Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions and provide required proof of a valid license, insurance, and driving record.

Benefits

Full-time employee health insurance paid at 100% for the employee and 50% for eligible family members.
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus optional 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.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and an opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Eligible APS employees may receive tuition and fee reimbursement up to $10,500 per fiscal year for relevant bachelor's- or master's-level study, after meeting the stated employment and enrollment conditions.
Business-related travel reimbursement at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.