APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Corpus Christi, TX

3d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The APS Investigator Specialist protects elderly adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses clients’ needs and safety, and arranges immediate or ongoing services. It is challenging and may be stressful, while offering opportunities to learn about families and communities. The position is based in Corpus Christi and is not eligible for telework. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers who spend most of their workday in the field conducting home visits and community engagement. Travel is frequent, estimated at about 60% in the detailed description and listed as up to 70% in the posting; some travel outside the assigned region and overnight travel are required. The position may be filled at APS Specialist levels I through IV, with the starting salary determined in part by education and experience and capped by the pay group. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.

Requirements

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 experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
For APS Investigator Specialist II, III, and IV, meet the applicable education and relevant-work-experience criteria and the required prior APS Specialist employment and certification specified for each level.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and aging; issues affecting older and disabled people; crisis intervention; and cultural and ethnic differences 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 older adults and adults with disabilities; and help address their needs and problems.
Ability to operate a personal computer, software packages, and standard office equipment, including fax and copy machines.
Ability to conduct 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.
Use of a personal motor vehicle to perform job functions; a reliable vehicle, 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 are required. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Must be able to make frequent field visits and travel, including outside the assigned region and occasional overnight travel.

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.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly adults or adults with disabilities, assessing urgency by interviewing clients, family members, and others and gathering social, functional, physical, and mental-emotional information.
Provide after-hours and weekend services 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 clients’ lives or health, including counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referrals, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when needed, 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 when the supervisor is absent.
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 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.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
APS Professional Education Program reimbursement of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year for eligible employees meeting program requirements.
Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.