APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Odessa, TX

5d•$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 adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses risk and urgency, and provides or coordinates services to reduce threats to clients’ safety and health. The work can be challenging and stressful and offers opportunities to learn about families, communities, and oneself. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers who spend most of their workday in the field conducting home visits, interviewing clients and alleged perpetrators, and engaging with the community. The position requires frequent travel within and outside the assigned region, with occasional overnight travel and the possibility of last-minute trips. It is not a work-from-home position. The role may include after-hours and weekend work to provide 24-hour coverage and requires availability to receive reports while on call. The position is based in Odessa, Texas, with Midland listed as another location. Telework is not available. The position may be filled at the APS Investigator Specialist I, II, III, or IV level. Newly hired employees holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement. Eligible APS employees may receive reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to program eligibility requirements. Business travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and in accordance with DFPS policy.

Requirements

For 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 Specialist II, the education and experience criteria listed for Specialist I, plus employment as an APS Investigator Specialist I for nine months and APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II with Texas DFPS.
For Specialist III, the education and experience criteria listed for Specialist I, plus employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II for nine months and Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III with Texas DFPS.
For Specialist IV, the education and experience criteria listed for Specialist I, plus employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III for 24 months and Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as an APS Investigator Specialist IV with Texas DFPS.
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 and neglect complaints; empathize with and encourage older adults and adults with disabilities; and help them meet needs and alleviate problems.
Ability to operate a personal computer, various 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 and unsanitary conditions; work with violent and dangerous individuals; and be on call to receive reports.
Must 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. 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 attend work regularly and comply with agency policies and required training, including cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies.

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 newly hired employees for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving elderly adults or adults with disabilities, assessing urgency through interviews and gathering 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 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 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 in the absence of a supervisor.
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 travel frequently to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region, including occasional overnight and last-minute travel.
Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions and be available on call to receive reports.

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 on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
APS Professional Education Program reimbursement of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year for eligible staff who meet program requirements.
Reimbursement for business-related travel at the state-approved mileage rate according to DFPS policy.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.