APS Investigator Specialist- Current DFPS Interns Only

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Dallas, TX

7d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist to protect elderly adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The work can be challenging and stressful, while offering opportunities to learn about families and communities. This posting is for current or former DFPS interns and may be filled at any level from APS Specialist I through APS Specialist IV. Starting salary may depend on education and experience and cannot exceed the pay-group maximum. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.

The position is a mobile casework role, with most work performed in the field conducting home visits, interviewing clients and alleged perpetrators, and engaging with the community. Frequent travel within and outside the assigned region is required; the posting estimates approximately 60% of work time on the road and notes some overnight travel. The position is not eligible for telework. Business travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate under DFPS policy.

DFPS offers a certification program for professional development and career advancement. Eligible APS employees may also receive reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to program requirements, including one year of continuous full-time APS employment before the application due date and enrollment in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s program.

Requirements

• Meet the applicable initial screening criteria for the level at which hired. For APS Investigator Specialist I, this is 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, meet the listed education and relevant-experience criteria and have nine months as an APS Investigator Specialist I with APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or be currently or previously employed by Texas DFPS as an APS Investigator Specialist II.
• For APS Investigator Specialist III, meet the listed education and relevant-experience criteria and have nine months as an APS Investigator Specialist II with Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or be currently or previously employed by Texas DFPS as an APS Investigator Specialist III.
• For APS Investigator Specialist IV, meet the listed education and relevant-experience criteria and have 24 months as an APS Investigator Specialist III with Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or be currently or previously employed by Texas DFPS as an APS Investigator Specialist IV.
• Have a reliable personal motor vehicle, an acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and its passenger or cargo load; provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
• Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and the aging process; special problems of aged and disabled people; 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 elderly and disabled adults; operate a personal computer, software packages, and standard office equipment; make home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and in substandard or unsanitary conditions; be on call to receive reports; and work with violent and dangerous individuals.
• Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
• Comply with required cybersecurity and communications-system policies and training, and be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for electronic information resources.
• Provide I-9 documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in a government agency, nonprofit, or school providing support to 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 regarding 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 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, 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 absence of a supervisor.
• 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.

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 on items and services such as gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• APS Professional Education Program tuition and fee reimbursement up to $10,500 per fiscal year for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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