APS Specialist V

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

• 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 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 be taken to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of an adult protective services client to include conducting a thorough investigation, requesting bank records, LE reports, medical records, developing a service plan with clients and caregivers input, providing information and referral services, testifying in court, seeking court orders pertaining to APS casework, seeking least restrictive alternatives to guardianship, and initializing ongoing 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.
• Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
• Travels throughout district to investigate A/N/E.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Works collaboratively with Law Enforcement and prosecution to achieve best outcomes for clients that have been victims of exploitation.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• 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 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 be taken to remove or lessen an immediate threat to the life or health of an adult protective services client to include conducting a thorough investigation, requesting bank records, LE reports, medical records, developing a service plan with clients and caregivers input, providing information and referral services, testifying in court, seeking court orders pertaining to APS casework, seeking least restrictive alternatives to guardianship, and initializing ongoing 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.
• Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
• Travels throughout district to investigate A/N/E.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Works collaboratively with Law Enforcement and prosecution to achieve best outcomes for clients that have been victims of exploitation  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• 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.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of exploitation of aged adults.
• Skill in investigating financial exploitation.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Skill in use of mobile technology.
• Ability to work effectively with difficult exploitation abuse/neglect cases.
• Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly to help them meet individual needs and alleviate A/N/E.
• 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 engage with violent and dangerous individuals.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Applicants for positions which require, as part of the essential functions of the job, driving a motor vehicle, 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 and license.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Two full years of Adult Protective Services Specialist experience with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or 2 years experience in financial investigations, forensic accounting, or similar background.  

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.