APS Investigator Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. An APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. An APS Investigator Specialist has a very challenging job that can be stressful at times –but there are few occupations that offer more opportunities to learn new things about families, your community and yourself. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role. This position may be filled at any level from an APS Specialist I to APS Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group. The APS Professional Education Program reimburses eligible staff for the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year. An applicant must be an APS employee and must have one year of full-time continuous APS employment before the date of the application is due. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program that is relevant to APS work and any position within APS can apply. Business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers. Mobile casework is not the same as working from home. APS Investigator Specialists spend the majority of their workday “in the field” conducting home visits to interview clients and alleged perpetrators. Although each workday may begin and end at home, APS Investigator Specialists are expected to be in the field making visits and engaging the community every day. This role requires frequent travel to homes and offices both within and outside your assigned region. Reliable transportation and a strong willingness to travel are essential, as you can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time. While much of your travel will be local, there will be instances—including last-minute situations—where you’ll need to go outside your assigned counties, sometimes with little notice. Some overnight travel is also required, especially during initial training held outside your area and as cases demand. Flexibility is critical, as our mission to protect the most vulnerable means you must be ready to serve clients wherever and whenever you are needed.

Requirements

Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards.
Knowledge of Texas laws relating to adult protective services.
Knowledge of gerontology and the dynamics of the aging process.
Knowledge of special problems of the aged and disabled.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
Knowledge of differing cultures/ethnic groups and values.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse/neglect complaints.
Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly and to help them meet particular needs and alleviate problems.
Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including fax and copy machines.
Ability to make home visits in isolated or high crime areas that may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to be on call in order to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals.
This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and 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.
Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.
Comply with Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
Provide documentation to DFPS to show identity and authorization to work in the US (I-9 documentation).

Nice To Haves

Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
Experience working 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

Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess the urgency of the problem by interviewing clients, family members and other to gather social, functional, physical and mental- emotional information for evaluation.
Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24 hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Determines temporary or long-term action to be taken to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of an adult protective services client to include counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referral services, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when necessary, and providing on-going services.
Develops individualized service plans to meet the needs of the adult protective services client and maintains detailed documentation on each case.
Makes presentations and participates in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program.
Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.
DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization.
APS Professional Education Program reimburses eligible staff for the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year.
Business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.