APS Investigator Specialist

Job Title:
APS Investigator Specialist

Job Summary:
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is seeking a highly skilled APS Investigator Specialist to join our team. As an APS Investigator Specialist, you will be responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults. You will assess the urgency of the problem by interviewing clients, family members, and other relevant individuals to gather social, functional, physical, and mental-emotional information for evaluation.

Key Responsibilities:
Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults
Provide services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24-hour coverage
Determine 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
Develop individualized service plans to meet the needs of the adult protective services client and maintain detailed documentation on each case
Make presentations and participate in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program

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
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

Why Work for Us:
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We accomplish this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. We offer excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.

How to Apply:
To explore more of what Adult Protective Services Investigators do, click here. To view a realistic online video about Adult Protective Services Investigations workers and clients, please click here. You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.

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