APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•SAN ANGELO, TX

10d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks an APS Investigator Specialist to protect elderly people 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 position is listed as APS Investigator Specialist I and may be filled at any level from Specialist I through Specialist IV. Education and experience may inform the starting salary, which cannot exceed the maximum for the pay group. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for a 6.8% automatic starting salary increase. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers, not work-from-home employees. Most work is performed in the field, including home visits to interview clients and alleged perpetrators and engagement with the community. The role requires frequent travel within and outside the assigned region, approximately 60% of the time, sometimes on short notice, and some overnight travel, including during initial training. Travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate according to DFPS policy. The employee must use a reliable personal motor vehicle. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support employee skill development and career advancement. Eligible APS employees may apply for reimbursement of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year through the APS Professional Education Program, subject to the program’s eligibility conditions, including one year of continuous full-time APS employment and enrollment in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s program.

Requirements

For the Specialist I level, meet one of these education and experience combinations: an accredited bachelor’s degree; an accredited associate’s degree plus two years of relevant work experience; 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 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 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 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 and potentially encounter substandard or unsanitary living conditions, and to work with violent or dangerous individuals.
Ability to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Reliable personal motor vehicle, acceptable driving record for the past five years, and 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.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Ability to travel frequently, approximately 60% of the time, including outside the assigned region and occasionally overnight or on short notice.
Meet the applicable level-specific advancement criteria for Specialist II, III, or IV if hired at that level, including prior DFPS APS Specialist experience and the relevant certification or prior/current employment at the specified level.
Attend required training and follow agency cybersecurity and communications-system policies; staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible content.

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 with this degree qualify for a 6.8% automatic starting salary increase.

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 outside 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.
Prepare routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
Serve in a lead capacity in the supervisor’s absence.
Perform other duties as assigned or 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.
Conduct field visits and travel to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region, including occasional overnight travel.
Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

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, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Eligible APS employees may receive tuition and fee reimbursement up to $10,500 per fiscal year through the APS Professional Education Program, subject to eligibility conditions.
Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate according to DFPS policy.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and opportunities to earn additional compensation.