APS INV Specialist V

Brief Job Description:
APS Specialist V performs advanced adult protective services work. Work involves investigating and analyzing the individual needs of APS clients with regard to abuse, neglect or exploitation; and making a service plan to address A/N/E as appropriate for adults with disabilities and the elderly; monitoring and overseeing casework activities. Conducts special projects to define program issues. Serves as a liaison with community groups related to adult welfare. Addresses community groups on agency programs, resources, and limitations. Develops community resources to serve the needs of clients. Testifies in court as appropriate. Performs related work as assigned. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment  

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 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 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.

* 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
 

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
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 Selection Criteria:
Three full years of Adult Protective Services Investigative Specialist experience with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or three full years of experience in financial investigations, forensic accounting, or similar background.