APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

4d•$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 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses clients’ needs and safety, and takes steps to reduce immediate threats to their life or health. Work can be challenging and stressful, and involves field-based visits, sensitive interviews, service planning, referrals, and coordination with clients, caregivers, and community resources. The position is based in San Antonio and is not eligible for telework. APS Investigator Specialists spend most of their workday in the field conducting home visits and engaging with the community. The role involves frequent travel, including outside the assigned region and occasional overnight travel, and requires reliable personal transportation. The posting states travel may be up to 85%; additional information says employees can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time. After-hours and weekend coverage is required to maintain 24-hour service availability. The position may be filled at the APS Investigator Specialist I through IV levels. Applicants must meet the education and relevant experience criteria for the applicable level; higher levels also require specified DFPS employment and certification history. A newly hired employee with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualifies for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase. DFPS offers a certification program for professional development and additional compensation opportunities. Eligible APS employees may receive reimbursement for relevant bachelor’s or master’s program tuition and fees, subject to the stated employment and enrollment requirements. Business travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.

Requirements

Meet the applicable education and relevant-work-experience criteria: 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 includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as work in social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II, in addition to the baseline criteria: have been employed as an APS Investigator Specialist I for nine months and received APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or meet the stated current or prior DFPS Specialist II employment alternative.
For Specialist III, in addition to the baseline criteria: have been employed as an APS Investigator Specialist II for nine months and received Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or meet the stated current or prior DFPS Specialist III employment alternative.
For Specialist IV, in addition to the baseline criteria: have been employed as an APS Investigator Specialist III for 24 months and received Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or meet the stated current or prior DFPS Specialist IV employment alternative.
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.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and the aging process; problems of aged and disabled people; crisis intervention techniques; 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 elderly and disabled adults; operate a personal computer and software packages and standard office equipment; make home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and in substandard or unsanitary conditions; be on call; and work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Travel frequently, including within and outside the assigned region, with occasional overnight travel and potentially little notice for travel outside assigned counties.
Be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible electronic information resources.

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 qualifies a newly hired employee for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults and assess urgency by interviewing clients, family members, and others to gather 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, 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 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 field visits and interviews with clients and alleged perpetrators, including visits to homes in isolated or high-crime areas.
Be available on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Benefits

100% employer-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 optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
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.
Eligible APS employees may receive reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year for relevant bachelor’s or master’s programs, subject to eligibility conditions.
Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and opportunities for additional compensation.