DSHS HCLA APS Social Service Specialist 5

Salary: $6,576.00 - $8,842.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Renton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-03263
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description

DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Services Supervisor (Social Service Specialist 5) Join the (HCLA) as a Social Service Specialist 5 in Renton and help ensure high-quality investigations and protective services within (APS). In this role, your work directly supports the safety, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable adults when it matters most.

As a front-line supervisor, you will lead and support a team of Social Service Specialists who investigate reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, and self-neglect. Your oversight ensures investigations are thorough, timely, and aligned with applicable laws and policies, including RCW 74.34, the Washington Administrative Code, and the Long-Term Care Manual. Your leadership helps ensure responses are appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk in each situation.

In this role, you will assign and review work, provide case consultation, coach and develop staff, and make hiring and performance decisions. Your leadership strengthens Adult Protective Services' mission to partner with individuals to access the support, care, and protection they need, while helping Washington's long-term services and supports system remain strong, equitable, and responsive.

Some of what you'll do:

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialist staff, providing direction, setting performance expectations, and managing hiring, training, evaluation, and corrective or disciplinary action.
• Lead unit operations by conducting regular team and one-on-one meetings, facilitating case staffings and multidisciplinary team meetings, and ensuring equitable workload distribution.
• Provide policy guidance, training, and clarification on laws, WACs, procedures, and program requirements, offering ongoing feedback and support for staff development.
• Review investigations and case documentation for completeness, accuracy, quality, and compliance, and review and approve cases submitted to the Investigation Review Team (IRT).
• Prepare and analyze reports to monitor trends, distribute workload, correct errors, and support timely, accurate work across the unit.
• Communicate policy and procedure updates, management bulletins, and program changes, ensuring staff remain informed and aligned with current requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners; including other government departments, the Attorney General's Office, law enforcement, and tribal governments-and address any concerns, escalating major incidents as appropriate.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter, participate in and lead case staffings, provide testimony in administrative or judicial proceedings, and contribute to outreach efforts, committees and special projects.

Who should apply? We are searching for professionals with:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.

OR

• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.

OR

• Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

• A master's degree** in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience* equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.

OR

• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience* performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

• A combination of higher education ( in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field) and paid social service experience totaling at least nine years.

*NOTE: Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to adult/children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
**NOTE: A two year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Leadership: The ability to guide, support and coach staff while setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Policy knowledge: The ability to understand and apply laws, rules and procedures to real-life situations.
• Critical thinking: The ability to review investigations, spot issues and help staff determine next steps.
• Emotional intelligence: The ability to navigate conflict, de-escalate tense situations and have difficult conversations with care.
• Communication: The ability to explain expectations, give feedback and share information clearly in writing and conversation.
• Decision-making ability: The skill to assess complex situations, weigh risk and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with partners inside and outside the agency.
• Technology: Comfort using standard computer systems and learning new tools and software as needed. DSHS systems such as; CARE, ACES Online, Barcode, payment/service authorization systems.

Additional Information:

• Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Opportunities in this job classification that perform unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect of vulnerable adult individuals, may be eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Interested? Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references with contact information

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number #03263.

Supplemental Information


Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.


Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Which of the following best describes your qualifications for this position? (Select one)

• I have one (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
• I have two (2) years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
• I have four (4) years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• I have a master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one (1) year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.
• I have a bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five (5) years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• I have nine (9) years of professional social service experience
• None of the above.

Required Question