DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Investigators (Social Service Specialist 3)

Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced professionals to join our team as Social Service Specialist 3s in Tacoma, WA. These rewarding careers allow you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State. We're looking for people with strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. In this role, your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and connect individuals with services that support their safety and dignity will be key to your success.

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. Some of what you will do:

• Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts.
• Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes.
• Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record electronically using computer software application systems.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs.
• Identify and refer at-risk and vulnerable adults to appropriate service groups.
• Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention.
• Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.

Desired knowledge, skills, & abilities:

• Proven ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and effective documentation practices.
• Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions, including in urgent safety-related situations.
• Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children is highly desirable.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2, and completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.
OR
• A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 2 or equivalent paid social service experience.
OR
• A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field totaling 6 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement. Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience. A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

These positions require travel to meet business needs. A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period. Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you'll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources. Interested? Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume.
• Three professional references with contact information.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number #01907.

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.