APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Lufkin, TX

8d•$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 position investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; assesses clients’ needs and risks; and determines appropriate temporary or long-term actions to reduce immediate threats to clients’ life or health. The work can be challenging and stressful, while providing opportunities to learn about families and communities. APS Investigator Specialists develop individualized service plans, provide counseling and referrals, arrange alternate housing when necessary, and may testify in court to seek emergency protective services. They maintain detailed case documentation, prepare reports, participate in community awareness activities, and may serve in a lead capacity when a supervisor is absent. The role also includes after-hours and weekend coverage to help maintain 24-hour service. This is a full-time, nonexempt, regular position based in Lufkin, Texas, with no telework eligibility. It is a mobile casework role: most work is conducted in the field through home visits and community engagement. Travel is expected about 60% of the time, with the posting listing travel up to 75%; some travel outside assigned counties, overnight travel, and short-notice assignments may be required. The position requires use of the employee’s reliable personal vehicle and a current, valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. The posting indicates a monthly salary range of $3,816.65 to $5,372.41. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase. The position may be filled at APS Specialist I through IV, with starting salary affected by education and experience, subject to the pay-group maximum.

Requirements

For APS Investigator Specialist I, meet one of the following: 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 work experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, including services to families or other at-risk populations.
A reliable personal motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years are required; applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
A current, valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load is required.
Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards; Texas laws relating to adult protective services; gerontology and aging; special problems of older and disabled adults; crisis intervention; 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 older and disabled adults, 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 work in substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to be on call to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to work with violent and dangerous individuals.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, including outside assigned counties and overnight when required.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
For APS Specialist II, III, or IV consideration, the posting additionally specifies the relevant prior DFPS APS Specialist level, required time in that level, and applicable APS certification, or qualifying current or previous employment at that level.

Nice To Haves

Completion of 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 regarding highly sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults and assess the urgency of the situation 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 lessen immediate threats to a client’s life or health.
Counsel clients and caregivers and provide information and referral services.
Testify in court to seek emergency protective services when needed.
Find alternate housing when necessary and provide ongoing services to clients.
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 absence of a supervisor.
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 health insurance 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 be reimbursed for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to program requirements.
Business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.
Newly hired employees holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase.
DFPS Certification Program offers professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.