APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

3d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring an APS Investigator Specialist to protect elderly adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; assesses clients’ needs and safety; and arranges or provides services to reduce immediate and ongoing threats. The work can be challenging and stressful, and offers opportunities to learn about families and communities. The position may be filled at the APS Specialist I through IV level, with starting salary determined in part by education and experience. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers. Most work takes place in the field, including home visits to interview clients and alleged perpetrators and community engagement. The role requires frequent travel, typically about 60% of the time, including travel outside the assigned region or counties, sometimes at short notice, and some overnight travel. The role is not a work-from-home position. A personal, reliable motor vehicle, acceptable driving record, and current valid Texas driver’s license are required. The position is based in Austin, Texas, and is a full-time, regular, nonexempt day-shift role. Telework is not available. Travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate under DFPS policy. Eligible APS employees may receive reimbursement for tuition and fees through the APS Professional Education Program, up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to eligibility requirements. Employees must complete a background check and, if applicable, a driver-record check.

Requirements

For APS Investigator Specialist I: an accredited bachelor’s degree, or an accredited associate 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 may include paid or volunteer work with social service agencies or communities serving families or other at-risk populations.
For APS Investigator Specialist II, III, or IV, meet the applicable educational and relevant-experience criteria and the specified DFPS specialist-level employment and certification progression requirements stated in the posting.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and aging; issues affecting older adults and people with disabilities; crisis intervention; 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 them address 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 or unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to perform job functions; a reliable vehicle, an 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.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including outside the assigned counties or region, sometimes with little notice, and to undertake some overnight travel.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver-record check.

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.
A Master’s Degree in Social Work, which qualifies newly hired employees for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly adults and adults with disabilities, assessing 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, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, arranging alternate housing, 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 when the supervisor is absent.
Perform other duties as assigned or 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.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage 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 on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Eligible APS employees may receive tuition and fee reimbursement of up to $10,500 per fiscal year through the APS Professional Education Program, subject to program requirements.
Business-related mileage reimbursed at the state-approved rate in accordance with DFPS policy.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.