APS Investigator Specialist

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don't match-often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here's what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members-saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs • Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that's time off you're actually paid for) • Optional dental, vision, and life insurance-at rates much lower than most private plans • Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care • Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster. You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Job Title: APS Investigator Specialist

Functional Title: APS Investigator Specialist

Job Title: APS INV Specialist

Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Svc

Department: Region 7 APS

In-Home Dir Del Posting Number: 13492

Closing Date: 03/06/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Protective Services

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17

Salary Range: $3,816.65 - $5,372.41

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 75%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1340 AIRPORT COMMERCE DR BLDG 5, STE 525

Other Locations:

• MOS Codes: 0149,5805,5821,5822,5832,14N,14NX,183X,1N0X1,230X,311A,31D,351L,351M,35L,35M,42SX,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1 5IX,683X,68X,71SX,73A,783X,HM,INV,IS,ISS,IV,MST,NC,OAP12

Brief Job Description:

An 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 -but there are few occupations that offer more opportunities to learn new things about families, your community and yourself.

Newly Hired Employees:

Newly hired employees holding a Masters Degree in Social Work qualify for an automatic starting salary increase of 6.8%.

Help Us Make a Difference:

To explore more of what Adult Protective Services Investigators do, click here. For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more DFPS, please click here. 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.

DFPS Certification Program:

DFPS is committed to its employees professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. 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.
2. Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24 hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation.
3. 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.
4. Develops individualized service plans to meet the needs of the adult protective services client and maintains detailed documentation on each case.
5. Makes presentations and participates in community awareness and related activities to inform the public about the program.
6. Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management.
7. Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor.
8. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
9. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
10. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and standards.
2. Knowledge of Texas laws relating to adult protective services.
3. Knowledge of gerontology and the dynamics of the aging process.
4. Knowledge of special problems of the aged and disabled.
5. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
6. Knowledge of differing cultures/ethnic groups and values.
7. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
8. Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
9. Ability to work effectively with difficult abuse/neglect complaints.
10. Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly and to help them meet particular needs and alleviate problems.
11. Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages.
12. Ability to operate standard office equipment including fax and copy machines.
13. Ability to make home visits in isolated or high crime areas that may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions.
14. Ability to be on call in order to receive reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
15. Ability to work with violent and dangerous individuals.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

This position requires use of the applicants 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 drivers license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist I: An accredited Bachelors degree OR accredited Associates degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
2. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist II: An accredited Bachelors degree OR accredited Associates degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
3. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist III: An accredited Bachelors degree OR accredited Associates degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
4. Adult Protective Services Investigator Specialist IV: An accredited Bachelors degree OR accredited Associates degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.

Preferred Criteria:

1. Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
2. Experience working in a government agency, nonprofit, or school providing support to individuals or families in need, including children, adults, older adults, or people with disabilities.
3. Prior experience in case management, investigations, law enforcement, or courtroom testimony related to protective services, social services, or family and adult welfare.
4. Experience conducting interviews or assessments with individuals or families regarding highly sensitive matters.

Physical Requirements:

These requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements. These are typical requirements; however, reasonable accommodations are possible.

Physical Activities:

1. He/she is frequently asked to stand, hear, and talk;
2. He/she is occasionally asked to climb.

Physical Demands:

1. The incumbent typically performs work that requires him/her to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
2. Visual Requirements: The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet.
3. In addition, he/she must be able to adjust his/her eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in his/her peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions.

Working Conditions:

1. He/she typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside of the office environment) and is exposed