APS Investigator Specialist

Job Title: APS Investigator Specialist Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate APS Investigator Specialist to join our team at the Department of Family and Protective Services. As an APS Investigator Specialist, you will play a critical role in protecting the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. Key Responsibilities: • Conduct thorough investigations of 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: • An accredited Bachelor's degree or accredited Associate's degree or more than 60 accredited college credit hours • 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 Benefits: • 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 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas • 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year Work Environment: • This position may be filled at any level from an APS Specialist I to APS Specialist IV • Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group Physical Requirements: • The incumbent typically performs work that requires him/her to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects • The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet • The incumbent must be able to adjust his/her eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in his/her peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions Additional Information: • This position 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 Registration or Licensure Requirements: • This position requires registration or licensure as a condition of employment Initial Selection Criteria: • Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree OR more than 60 accredited college credit hours • Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II: Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services • Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III: Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services • Adult Protective Services Investigator IV: Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Additional Information: • This position may be filled at any level from an APS Specialist I to APS Specialist IV • Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group Physical Requirements: • The incumbent typically performs work that requires him/her to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects • The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet • The incumbent must be able to adjust his/her eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in his/her peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions Working Conditions: • The incumbent typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside of the office environment) and is exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including, but not necessarily limited to, extreme heat, wetness and humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights Interview Requirements: • Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview APS Professional Education Program: • The APS Professional Education Program reimburses eligible staff for the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,500 per fiscal year • An applicant must be an APS employee and must have one year of full-time continuous APS employment before the date of the application is due • To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program that is relevant to APS work and any position within APS can apply Business-related Travel: • Business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy MOS Code: • Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position • All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply Accessibility: • As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards • The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files I-9 Form: • HHS agencies use E-Verify • You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work • I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form Reasonable Accommodation: • In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability • If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 • If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview

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