APS In Home Worker

Company: Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Location: Temple
Posted on: May 1, 2021

Job Description:

APS Specialist V performs advanced adult protective services work. Work involves investigating and analyzing protective services problems; making decisions regarding corrective action as appropriate for adults with disabilities and the elderly; overseeing casework activities; and evaluating unit production for compliance with standards and appropriateness of casework recommendations. Conducts special projects to define program issues. Serves as a liaison with community groups related to adult welfare. Reviews referrals and makes case assignments. Plans and conducts meetings. Addresses community groups on agency programs, resources, and limitations. Develops community resources to serve the needs of clients. Instructs staff on work methods, organization procedures, and case documentation techniques. 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.

• Posting for current and former APS Employees Only* 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 counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referral services, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, finding alternate housing when necessary, and providing 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. Prepares routine, statistical, and special reports for management. Serves in lead capacity in absence of supervisor. Travels throughout district to provide caseload coverage. 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. 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. 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 abuse/neglect complaints. Ability to empathize and provide encouragement to disabled adults and the elderly 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. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Registration or Licensure 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 Selection Criteria: Two full years of Adult Protective Services Specialist experience with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Additional Information: REQ 471220
  • Posting for current and former APS Employees Only* The headquarters for this position can be negotiated for an office location in Region 7 with available office space. 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: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk here. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.

Keywords: Texas Health & Human Services Commission, Temple , APS In Home Worker, Other , Temple, Texas