APS Investigator Specialist

Company Overview

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save with 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for tax savings on health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

Functional

Title:

APS Investigator Specialist
Job Title: APS INV Specialist I
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: Region 7 APS In-Home Dir Del
Posting Number: 13492
Closing Date: 05/21/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Salary Range: $3,816.65-$5,372.41
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Travel: Up to 75%
Location: 1340 AIRPORT COMMERCE DR BLDG 5, STE 525, AUSTIN

An APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. This role investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, conducts interviews, and develops individualized service plans to ensure safety and support. Newly hired employees holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%. The position requires being on call and sometimes working evenings, weekends, and in remote areas.

• Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults, assessing urgency and gathering social, functional, physical, and mental‑emotional information.
• Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24‑hour coverage.
• Determines temporary or long‑term actions to remove or lessen threats, including counseling, referrals, testifying in court, and finding alternate housing.
• Develops individualized service plans and maintains detailed documentation.
• Makes presentations and participates in community awareness activities.
• Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
• Serves in a lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes cultural diversity and respects coworkers and clients.
• Attends work regularly according to agency leave policy.

• Knowledge of agency policies, Texas laws related to adult protective services, gerontology and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of special problems of the aged and disabled, and differing cultures/ethnic groups.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work with difficult complaints, empathize, provide encouragement, and operate a personal computer and office equipment.
• Ability to make home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas and to be on call.
• Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals.

Requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle and a valid Texas driver’s license, and must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.

Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I:
Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR 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
. Examples of relevant work experience include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at‑risk populations.

Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II:
Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR Accred…