APS Investigator Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Abilene, TX

1d•$3,817 - $5,372•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. This position protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. It is a challenging and potentially stressful job, but offers opportunities for learning about families, the community, and oneself. Newly hired employees with a Master's Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. DFPS is committed to employee professional development and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers.

Requirements

Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards.
Knowledge of Texas laws relating to adult protective services.
Knowledge of gerontology and the dynamics of the aging process.
Knowledge of special problems of the aged and disabled.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
Knowledge of differing cultures/ethnic groups and values.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse/neglect complaints.
Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly and to help them meet particular needs and alleviate problems.
Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including fax and copy machines.
Ability to make home visits in isolated or high crime areas that may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to be on call in order to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and 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.
Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

Nice To Haves

Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
Experience working in a government agency, nonprofit, or school providing support to 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

Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess the urgency of the problem by interviewing clients, family members and others to gather social, functional, physical and mental-emotional information for evaluation.
Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24-hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Determines temporary or long-term action to be taken to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of an adult protective services client to include counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referral services, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when necessary, and providing on-going services.
Develops individualized service plans to meet the needs of the adult protective services client and maintains detailed documentation on each case.
Makes presentations and participates in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program.
Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
Options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness may be available
DFPS Certification Program for professional development and career advancement
Reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year for eligible staff through the APS Professional Education Program
Business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate