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.

For a realistic job preview for this position and about the agency, please visit: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/default.asp

To view a realistic online video about APS Caseworkers and clients please visit: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/jobs/aps/aps_caseworker_video.asp

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, and Values in service to the 27 million citizens of Texas.

DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System 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.

Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at the point of hire.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and 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.

Requirements:

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.

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

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

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

Additional information:

This position may be filled at any level from an APS Specialist I to APS Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group.

This position may be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office. Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit.

Newly-hired DFPS employees in eligible positions will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone.

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

Physical Demands: 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.

Visual Requirements: The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet. 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: He/she typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside of the office environment) and is exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including, but not necessarily limited to, extreme heat, wetness and humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

MOS Code:

Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk by visiting: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $3,498.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• On call

Travel requirement:

• Up to 75% travel

Work Location: In person