Adult Protective Services Investigator

An APS Caseworker protects the elderly and adults with disabilities who are unable to protect themselves. An APS caseworker has a very challenging job that can be stressful at times –but there are few occupations that offer more opportunities to learn new things about families, your community and yourself.

Essential Job Functions:

• 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.
• 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 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 necessary, and providing on-going services.
• Develops individualized service plans to meet the needs of the adult protective services client and maintains detailed documentation on each case.
• Makes presentations and participates in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program.
• Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
• Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Registrations, Licensure

Requirements or Certifications:

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

· 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 in order to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

· Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor’s degree OR accredited Associate’s degree OR more than 60 accredited college credit hours.

Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II: Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III: Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Adult Protective Services Investigator IV: Employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist Certification OR currently employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as an Adult Protective Services Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $3,498.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Vernon, TX 76384: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vernon, TX 76384