Probate Court Investigator

Assists Chief Court Visitor with day-to-day the duties required to complete Court Visits and Court Investigations for Wards and Proposed Wards 50 years of age and older for the Elder Safety Center Grant Program (ESCGP). Performs court visits, investigations, and in home assessments as requested by the Chief Court Visitor for Wards and Proposed Wards 50 years of age and older.

Management Scope: Assists Chief Court Visitor with supervision of graduate level interns and volunteers who visit Wards who are 50 years of age and older.Education, Experience and Training:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work. Independently licensed as a LMSW or LCSW.


Physical/Environmental Requirements:

Standard office equipment. Professional knowledge of MS Word, excel spreadsheets, general data entry into county database. Must be able to carry loads of multiple files (upwards of 20 pounds) and the ability to utilize a stool for reaching upper level shelves. Must be able to work around pets, pollen, dust, grime, and general hoarding conditions. Must have the ability to climb stairs and ramps, sit, stand, walk, bend, stop, climb, lift, reach, fine dexterity, crawling, see, hear, talk, push and pull. Must have ability to tolerate fluctuating temperatures, fire hazards, communicable diseases, physical danger and/or abuse. Mandatory drug test.


Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Must be licensed in Social Work by the State of Texas (LMSW or equivalent) and in good standing. Must have the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Requires Texas Driver’s License with good driving record and valid insurance on vehicle. Must have experience working with people of diverse ages, races, religious preference, alternative lifestyles, and legal status, various medical, mental, and physical incapacities, as well as economic and multicultural populations. Must have ability to work under time constraints, emergency situations, and frequent change of tasks, irregular work schedule, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and tedious or exacting work. Must be able to conduct oneself in a professional manner and appearance. Must be able to conduct home visits for evaluations and determinations of capacity. Effective people skills in difficult and contentious situations, knowledge of safety procedures, and specialized knowledge of mental and medical diagnosis needed. Must be able to make multiple decisions in each case based on statutes and relevant information. Determine the existence of workable unutilized statutory less restrictive alternatives for on-going guardianship. Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments, collateral professionals and general public. Requires working knowledge of Texas Probate Code as well as related codes as they apply to guardianship. Knowledge of investigative techniques, resources, and research skills. Ability to manage program, establish goals and objectives, devise solutions to administrative problems and complex case management issues, develop and evaluate administrative policies, procedures and prepare forensic reports. Knowledge of and ability to maintain electronic communication systems for online supervision and field instructions. Skilled in review of casework reports, and editing information to determine relevance to the case. Professional knowledge of MS Word, excel spreadsheets, and general data entry.


Preferred Experience:

· Experience with aging and geriatric clients in a variety of residential and facility settings;

· Experience with developing methods of collecting and tabulating data; and,

· Reporting outcome measures on a timely basis.1. Conducts court visits and investigations as requested by statute and assigned by the Chief Court Visitor for Wards 50 years of age and older.


2. Responds to requests for information and research requests made by the Chief Court Visitor/Court Investigator for Wards 50 years of age and older.


3. Assists supervisor in expediting work flow and implementing procedures,nincluding supervision of interns and volunteers for Wards 50 years of age and older..


4. Provides case research and prepares documents, including orders, for court visits for Wards 50 years of age and older.


5. Performs duties executive level duties such as analyzing data, coordinating & attending meetings, conducting presentations, and providing education to the public as directed for Wards 50 years of age and older.


6. Maintains database records and case files for case rotation for visitation &updates for Wards 50 years of age and older.


7. Files and maintains court visitor and investigative reports in accordance with statutes and established policies and procedures.


8. Performs other duties as assigned to support Court Investigations and Court Visits, such as locating and contacting resources needed for elderly Wards and the courts’ geriatric population.

Minimum Salary: 5279.57

Maximum Salary: 6590.72