APS Investigator Specialist

Job/Position DescriptionAn APS Investigator Specialist protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. An APS Investigator Specialist has a very challenging job that can be stressful at times and#150;but there are few occupations that offer more opportunities to learn new things about families, your community and yourself.An Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist- [SAO APS Investigator Specialist](https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/JobDescriptions/R5002.pdf){target=”blank”}.Newly hired employees holding a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Social Work also qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 3.4% or 6.8%, respectively.WHY WORK FOR DFPS?The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected and#151; children, elderly, and people with disabilities and#151; from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agencys [Mission, Vision, and Values](http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/AboutDFPS/mission.asp){target=”blank”} in service to the citizens of Texas.DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the [Service Loan Forgiveness Program](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-%20cancellation/public-service){target=”blank”}, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers [excellent health benefits](https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Health-Benefits){target=”blank”}, special discounts on many products and services through the [Discount Purchase Program](http://www.beneplace.com/home.jsp?ClientUserId=7195457){target=”blank”}, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the [Employees Retirement System](https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Retirement){target=”blank”} of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 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.HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS:To explore more of what Adult Protective Services Investigators do, click [here](https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Jobs/APS/apscaseworkervideo.asp){target=”blank”}.To view a realistic online video about Adult Protective Services Investigations workers and clients, please click[here](http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/CPS/workingatcps.asp){target=”blank”}.You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.Essential Job Functionsand#149;Investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults to assess the urgency of the problem by interviewing clients, family members and other to gather social, functional, physical and mental- emotional information for evaluation.and#149;Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24 hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation.and#149;Determines 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 to include counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referral services, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/jobprofile.cfm?szOrderID=618111 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.