APS Investigator Specialist

Job Title

APS Investigative Specialist I – Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Region 7 APS In‑Home Directory, Waco, TX. Salary: $3,816.65 to $5,372.41 per month. Shift: Day. Telework:
Not eligible. Travel:
Up to 75% required.

• Health insurance – 100% paid for employee, 50% for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans – lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service; options to save further with 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave – fully paid time off.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance – at lower rates than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts – tax‑advantaged health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts – on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

An APS Investigator Specialist protects elderly and disabled adults who are unable to protect themselves. The role requires investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, providing services outside normal working hours, and coordinating care and referrals. The position involves home visits, community outreach, and courtroom testimony as necessary.

• Investigate reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults, gather and evaluate client information, and assess urgency.
• Provide services after hours and on weekends to maintain 24‑hour coverage.
• Determine temporary or long‑term actions to remove or lessen immediate threats, including counseling, referrals, court testimony, and alternate housing.
• Develop individualized service plans and maintain detailed documentation for each case.
• Make presentations and participate in community awareness activities.
• Prepare routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
• Act in a lead capacity in the absence of a supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all contacts.
• Attend work regularly according to 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 aging process.
• Knowledge of special problems of the aged and disabled.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
• Knowledge of different 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 complaints.
• Empathy and encouragement for disabled adults and the elderly.
• Computer literacy and use of office equipment (fax, copy).
• Ability to conduct home visits in challenging environments.
• Availability to be on call for reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Ability to handle potentially violent or dangerous individuals.

• For Specialist I:
  Accredited bachelor's degree OR accredited associate degree plus 2 years of relevant experience OR 60 college credit hours plus 2 years of experience OR 90 college credit hours plus 1 year of experience.
• For higher levels:
  An equivalent combination of education and experience with at least 9 months in the previous level and receipt of the appropriate certification is required.

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

Applicants must own a reliable motor vehicle and possess a valid Texas driver’s license. A driver’s record, insurance, and vehicle classification proof must be provided during the hiring process.

Applications and hiring processes will comply with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and all required background and driver record checks will be conducted.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic.