APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Amarillo, TX

2d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The APS Investigator Specialist protects elderly people and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses risk, and determines actions and services to reduce threats to clients’ health and safety. Work includes interviewing clients and others, developing individualized service plans, documenting cases, providing referrals and ongoing services, and when necessary testifying in court or arranging alternate housing. The position also supports community awareness, prepares reports, and may serve in a lead capacity when a supervisor is absent. This is a mobile casework position, not a work-from-home role. Most of the workday is spent in the field conducting home visits and engaging with the community. The position requires extensive travel, approximately 60% of the time, including occasional overnight and out-of-region travel, sometimes with little notice. After-hours and weekend coverage is required to maintain 24-hour service availability, and the investigator must be able to go on call. The position is based in Amarillo, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. It is a full-time, regular, nonexempt position on the day shift. The listed salary range is $3,816.65 to $5,372.41 per month. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%.

Requirements

Meet the education and relevant-work-experience criteria for APS Investigator Specialist I: 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 work experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as providing services to families or other at-risk populations through social-service agencies or communities.
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 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 older and disabled people; crisis intervention; and differing cultures, ethnic groups, and values.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and in effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse or neglect complaints, empathize with and encourage disabled adults and older people, 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 that may involve substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Ability to travel frequently, including outside the assigned region and occasionally overnight, and to work in the field.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s 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 regarding highly sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults and assess the urgency of the situation through interviews and information gathering.
Provide services after normal working hours and on weekends, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation, to maintain 24-hour coverage.
Determine temporary or long-term actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to clients’ lives or health.
Counsel clients and caregivers, provide information and referral services, testify in court to seek emergency protective services, arrange alternate housing when necessary, and provide ongoing services.
Develop individualized service plans and maintain detailed documentation for each case.
Make presentations and participate in community awareness and related activities.
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 coverage for eligible family members.
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings 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 expenses.
Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program with professional development and opportunities to earn additional compensation.
APS Professional Education Program reimbursement of eligible tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to eligibility requirements.
Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate according to DFPS policy.