APS Investigator Specialist

Job Summary

APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. The role involves investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assessing urgency, interviewing clients and families, providing services, counseling, referrals, and testifying in court.

• Investigate reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess urgency by interviewing clients, family members, and other parties to gather social, functional, physical and mental‑emotional information.
• Provide services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24‑hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse or neglect.
• Determine temporary or long‑term action to protect the client, including counseling, information and referral services, court testimony, alternate housing, and ongoing support.
• Develop individualized service plans and maintain detailed documentation on each case.
• Make presentations and participate in community awareness activities.
• Prepare routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
• Serve in a lead capacity in the absence of a supervisor.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote cultural diversity and respect coworkers and all contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Knowledge of agency policies, procedures and standards.
• Knowledge of Texas laws relating to adult protective services.
• Knowledge of gerontology and 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 to 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.

• Bachelor’s degree OR Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
• Relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services (paid or volunteer) within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or at‑risk populations.
• For higher levels (Specialist II–IV) additional certification and experience requirements apply as detailed in the posting.

• Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working in a government agency, nonprofit, or school providing support to individuals or families in need.
• Prior experience in case management, investigations, law enforcement, or courtroom testimony related to protective services.
• Experience conducting interviews or assessments with individuals or families regarding highly sensitive matters.

• 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 401(k) and 457 options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care tax savings.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

APS Investigator Specialists perform the majority of their work in the field, conducting home visits and community outreach. Travel may be required both within and outside the assigned region, with up to 60% of the time spent on the road. Some overnight travel may be necessary.

• Must stand, hear, and talk frequently; occasionally climb.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.
• Must see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet; adjust focus, distinguish colors, see peripheral vision.
• Work in mobile environments; occasionally exposed to adverse conditions such as heat, wetness, chemicals, or heights.

Applicants must provide a reliable motor vehicle, an acceptable driving record, and a current Texas driver’s license. All hires must pass a background check, driving record check when applicable, and comply with state security and cybersecurity policies.