APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Laredo, TX

1d•$3,817 - $5,921•Onsite

About The Position

The APS Investigator Specialist protects elderly adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The position investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses risk, and determines actions and services to reduce immediate or ongoing threats to clients. Work includes interviewing clients, family members, caregivers, and others; developing individualized service plans; arranging referrals or alternate housing when needed; and providing ongoing services. The specialist may testify in court to seek emergency protective services and may serve in a lead capacity when the supervisor is absent. This is a full-time, nonexempt position based in Laredo, Texas. It is a day-shift role and is not eligible for telework. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers who spend most of their workday in the field conducting home visits and engaging with the community. The posting indicates travel of up to 85%; additional information says staff can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time, with travel outside assigned counties and some overnight travel as cases or training require. After-hours and weekend services are required to maintain 24-hour coverage, and the specialist must be available on call to receive reports. The role requires a reliable personal vehicle, a current valid Texas driver's license, and an acceptable driving record. Work may involve visits in isolated or high-crime areas, exposure to substandard or unsanitary living conditions, and contact with violent or dangerous individuals. The position may be filled at APS Specialist levels I through IV, with starting salary influenced by education and experience and capped by the pay group. Newly hired employees with a Master of Social Work degree qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase. DFPS offers professional development through its certification program. Eligible APS employees may also receive reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to eligibility requirements, including one year of continuous full-time APS employment and enrollment in a relevant bachelor's or master's program. Business travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.

Requirements

For APS Investigator Specialist II, meet the listed education and relevant-work-experience pathway: 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.
For APS Investigator Specialist II, also meet one of the listed DFPS progression pathways: employment as an APS Investigator Specialist I for nine months and receipt of APS Investigator Specialist Certification; current employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II at DFPS; or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II at DFPS.
Relevant experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services with social-service agencies or communities serving families or other at-risk populations.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and the aging process; special problems of older adults and people with disabilities; crisis intervention; and differing cultures, ethnic groups, and values.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and in verbal and written communication.
Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse and neglect complaints; empathize with and encourage older adults and adults with disabilities; and help them meet needs and alleviate 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 work in substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals and to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Must use a personal motor vehicle to perform job functions and have reliable transportation, 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. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
Must comply with agency cybersecurity and communications-system policies and complete related training.
Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for electronic information resources.

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 of Social Work degree qualifies newly hired employees for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly adults or adults with disabilities and assess urgency by gathering social, functional, physical, and mental-emotional information through interviews.
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 a client's life or health, including counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referrals, testifying in court, finding 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 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.
Make home visits and conduct field work, including visits outside the assigned region and occasional overnight travel as needed.
Be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

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 access to 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at stated lower-than-most-private-plan rates.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent-care expenses.
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, subject to program requirements.
Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.