Adult Protection Specialist

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.

To view a realistic online video about Adult Protective Services In Home Workers and clients please go here http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/aps/aps_caseworker_video.asp

Required Skills and Knowledge * 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.

Minimum Qualifications: Adult Protective Services Specialist I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. 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.

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 herehttps://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $3,498.00 per month

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

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

Language:

• Bilingual (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Burnet, TX 78611 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Burnet, TX 78611: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,498