Essential Job Functions: - Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults by conducting interviews with clients, family members, and others to gather comprehensive social, functional, physical, and mental-emotional information for assessment. - Provide services beyond normal working hours and weekends to ensure 24-hour coverage, including receiving reports of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation. - Determine immediate actions to remove or mitigate threats to the life or health of adult protective services clients, such as counseling clients and caregivers, providing information and referrals, testifying in court for emergency protective services, arranging alternate housing, and offering ongoing support. - Develop individualized service plans tailored to the needs of adult protective services clients and maintain detailed case documentation. - Conduct presentations and engage in community awareness activities to educate the public about the program. - Prepare regular, statistical, and special reports for management. - Assume a leadership role in the absence of a supervisor. - Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure unit operations run smoothly. - Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among colleagues and all work-related interactions. - Attend work regularly following agency leave policies. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Familiarity with agency policies, procedures, and standards. - Understanding of Texas laws pertaining to adult protective services. - Knowledge of gerontology and the aging process dynamics. - Awareness of the unique challenges faced by the elderly and disabled. - Proficiency in crisis intervention techniques. - Understanding of various cultures, ethnic groups, and their values. - Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. - Proficiency in verbal and written communication. - Ability to handle difficult abuse/neglect complaints effectively. - Capacity to empathize with and encourage disabled adults and the elderly, assisting them in addressing specific needs and resolving problems. - Proficiency in operating personal computers and various software applications. - Competence in using standard office equipment like fax and copy machines. - Willingness to conduct home visits in isolated or high-crime areas, potentially encountering substandard and unsanitary living conditions. - Availability to be on call for receiving reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. - Ability to work with individuals who may be violent or dangerous.