APS Investigator Specialist

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—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
  —at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

An APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. This role can be stressful at times, but offers unique opportunities to learn about families, your community, and yourself.

Newly hired employees holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%.

• Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess urgency by interviewing clients, family members and others to gather social, functional, physical and mental‑emotional information for evaluation.
• Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24‑hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Determines temporary or long‑term action to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of a client, including counseling, providing referrals, testifying in court, arranging alternate housing, and providing ongoing services.
• Develops individualized service plans to meet client needs and maintains detailed documentation.
• Makes presentations and participates in community awareness activities to inform the public about the program.
• Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
• Serves in a lead capacity in the absence of a supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with the agency leave policy.

• 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.

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants must have a reliable motor vehicle and an acceptable driving record for the past five years, a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and must provide proof of driving record,…