APS Investigator Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Houston, TX

8d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is hiring an APS Investigator Specialist to protect elderly adults and adults with disabilities who cannot protect themselves. The role investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assesses client needs and risks, and determines actions and services to protect clients. The work can be challenging and stressful, and involves frequent field visits, substantial travel, and occasional service outside normal working hours and on weekends to provide 24-hour coverage. APS Investigator Specialists are mobile caseworkers who spend most of the workday in the field conducting home visits, interviewing clients and alleged perpetrators, and engaging with the community. Travel may be local or outside the assigned region, sometimes at short notice; some overnight travel is required. This position is based in Houston, Texas, is not eligible for telework, and requires use of the employee’s personal motor vehicle. The posting lists travel of up to 75% and describes typical time on the road as about 60%. The position may be filled at the APS Investigator Specialist I, II, III, or IV level. The listed monthly salary range is $3,816.65–$5,372.41. Newly hired employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic 6.8% starting salary increase. DFPS offers a certification program to develop job skills and support career advancement. Eligible APS employees may also receive reimbursement of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to the stated employment and enrollment conditions.

Requirements

Meet the initial screening criteria for the level considered: 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, additionally meet the listed progression criteria: nine months employed as an APS Investigator Specialist I and APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist II with Texas DFPS.
For Specialist III, additionally meet the listed progression criteria: nine months employed as an APS Investigator Specialist II and Advanced APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist III with Texas DFPS.
For Specialist IV, additionally meet the listed progression criteria: 24 months employed as an APS Investigator Specialist III and Senior APS Investigator Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as an APS Investigator Specialist IV with Texas DFPS.
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.
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 techniques; 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 and neglect complaints; empathize with and encourage older and disabled adults; operate a personal computer, software packages, and standard office equipment; make 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.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Meet the role’s physical and visual requirements, including frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; specified lifting or exertion; and the ability to see and focus at near and far distances, distinguish colors, and perceive peripheral and three-dimensional objects.
Be prepared to work in a mobile environment, with occasional exposure to adverse conditions such as extreme heat, wetness and humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases, and heights.
Complete required training and follow agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies; staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible content.

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 case management, investigations, law enforcement, or courtroom testimony experience 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, which qualifies newly hired employees for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%.

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 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, including counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referrals, seeking emergency protective services through court testimony, locating 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 respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Conduct frequent field visits to homes and offices, including within and outside the assigned region, and travel as needed, sometimes with little notice or overnight.
Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

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.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and an opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Eligible APS employees may receive reimbursement for tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year, subject to eligibility conditions.
Business-related travel reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.