APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Vernon, TX

33d•$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 role investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, evaluates clients’ needs and immediate safety risks, and provides or arranges services to reduce threats to their health and well-being. Work may be challenging and stressful, and involves sensitive cases and contact with clients, families, caregivers, alleged perpetrators, and community partners. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers who spend most of their workday in the field conducting home visits and engaging with the community; this is not a work-from-home position. The role requires frequent travel, with the posting indicating travel of up to 85% and describing typical travel as about 60% of the time. Some overnight travel is required, including for initial training and as cases demand. The position provides services outside normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24-hour coverage, and requires availability to receive reports of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The agency offers a DFPS Certification Program intended to support professional development and career advancement. Eligible APS employees may also apply for reimbursement of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year after one year of continuous full-time APS employment, for relevant bachelor’s- or master’s-level study. Business travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate under DFPS policy.

Requirements

Meet the applicable initial screening criteria for the APS Investigator Specialist II level: 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 the APS Investigator Specialist II level, additionally have been employed as an APS Investigator Specialist I for nine months and received APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or currently or previously have been employed as an APS Investigator Specialist II at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and aging; special problems of older and disabled people; 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 and disabled adults; operate a personal computer, software packages, and standard office equipment; make home visits in isolated or high-crime areas that may have substandard or unsanitary conditions; be on call; and work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions and have reliable transportation.
Have 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; provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Travel frequently, including potentially outside assigned counties on short notice, and undertake some overnight travel as required.
Attend work regularly and comply with agency security, cybersecurity, communications-system, and accessibility-related requirements.

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; newly hired employees holding this degree qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults, assessing urgency through interviews and gathering 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 a client’s life or health, including counseling clients and caregivers, making 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 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 in the supervisor’s absence.
Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Conduct frequent field visits to homes and offices, including visits within and outside the assigned region.
Be available on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

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 401(k) and 457 savings plan options.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program supporting professional development and career advancement, with opportunities to earn additional compensation.
Eligible APS employees may receive reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to eligibility requirements.
Business-related travel reimbursement at the state-approved mileage rate according to DFPS policy.