About the Job
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. Learn more about APS caseworker jobs.
What is “social work” as it relates to APS?
Social work means investigating allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation of people who are elderly or disabled.
- It means helping clients maintain their dignity and as much independence as possible,
- It means building community relationships with law enforcement agents, medical personnel, court personnel, and representatives from various agencies and organizations, and
- It means assessing clients and their living conditions, developing service plans, and providing services to remedy problems.
Sounds good, but what kinds of things will I be doing?
Hear from real APS caseworkers and supervisors about what it's really like to work for APS – and why they do it. Yes, the job can be stressful and it is not a fit for every job candidate. Learn about how these caseworkers go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the elderly and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
APS Casework includes:
- Conducting home visits to assess if the person needs our help.
- Talking to clients about their situation and even ask some pretty intimate questions.
- Engaging in discussions with the client about all aspects of their life – including money, sex, health, relationships and even terminal illness or death.
- Responding quickly in a crisis situation involving vulnerable adults in an abusive/neglectful situation.
- Interacting objectively with people who have abused adults in their care.
- Educating clients in order to change behavior that led to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Spending a significant portion of your time documenting casework activity.
- Appropriately dealing with verbal abuse from clients who may not understand or accept why you are there.
- Working under constant time pressure created by the nature and volume of the cases, prioritize tasks, and work flexible work hours.
- Maintaining a balance of objectivity and empathy while dealing with families living in stressful or crisis situations.
- Working as a team, supporting other caseworkers as well as following the directions of the courts and agency.
Do I have to have a degree?
To be a caseworker, you must have an accredited Bachelor’s degree, an accredited Associate’s degree or more than 60 accredited college credit hours.
What would my salary be?
The starting salary range is $3,498 to $4290 per month and will be based on your experience and qualifications.
Will I get trained on what to do?
Yes! You will have lots of great training before beginning your job. Though you will be doing visits to clients on your own you will have ongoing support from your co-workers and supervisor any time you need it.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes! You will receive ongoing training to prepare you for career progression. There are various levels of certification.
Conditions of Employment
You must have a valid Texas driver's license. We also will request a Criminal Background Check and DFPS History check on all applicants.