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 Texas 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. This is a challenging yet rewarding position that requires strong investigative skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients.

Key Responsibilities:
• Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults, assessing the urgency of the problem and gathering information through interviews and documentation.
• Provide services after 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 action to be taken to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of an adult protective services client, including counseling, providing information and referral services, testifying in court, and finding alternate housing when necessary.
• Develop individualized service plans to meet the needs of adult protective services clients and maintain detailed documentation on 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 and perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

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 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 a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity, and Texa$aver (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Additionally, you will receive 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.

What We Offer:
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable adults and their families.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• A focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply:
If you are a motivated and compassionate individual who is passionate about protecting the elderly and adults with disabilities, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you

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