Adult Services - Investigator

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

Job Title: Adult Services Investigator open: June 15, 2026

Department: Adult Services Closes: August 3, 2026

Reports To: Adult Services Director hours: 40hrs wk-full time

Salary: Based on salary matrix+Benefits Requisiton: Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

Position Summary:

Working under the direction of the Director, this position performs a variety of case related activities involved in providing direct and indirect assistance to vulnerable, elderly and/or incapacitated adults. Major duties include the investigation, assessment, evaluation and provision of services for vulnerable or incapacitated adults, 18 years and older, who are alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited and determines if there is a need of any protective and/or social services. This position makes time sensitive contact with clients, significant others, interviews those who may have knowledge of the situation; and researches, obtains and analyzes complex financial and medical documents including psychological evaluations, as appropriate, as provided by: rules and regulations; policy guidelines and client consent; conducts networking and coordinating with others to serve Vulnerable Adults, including services that educate Vulnerable Adults, family members, and the community about abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, exploitation and protective services as a resource. This position will be responsible for investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, neglect and self-neglect of adults which will include gathering evidence to determine findings based on the preponderance of evidence standard and in assisting individuals with services that maintains safety and dignity.


This position assumes all responsibilities as defined in the Vulnerable Tribal Adult Protection Code Chapter 7.28.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Receive reports of incapacitated and abused, exploited or neglected adults and elders and assesses the client and family's needs and eligibility for Tribal services.
2. Conducts face-to-face interviews with clients in their residence (in-home, hospital, nursing home, residential facility, etc), investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and/or exploitation. This position offers, authorizes, arranges for and provides protective services to Vulnerable Adults
3. Assess vulnerable adult's cognition, physical, mental and functional abilities.
4. Collects information from Tribal agencies, departments, and programs including reports, files, medical records, welfare check reports and other relevant information, in order to make decisions related to investigations, services and outcomes. Makes appropriate recommendations to Director for approval.
5. Coordinates and collaborates with: law enforcement agencies; WA State, county, and city agencies; legal entities; contractors/providers, physicians; community agencies and other Puyallup Tribal Departments and Programs in order to provide protective services.
6. Assists Director with developing contracts for services; Memorandums of Understanding; and Memorandum's of Agreements (MOA or cooperative agreements) with service providers.
7. Develops and implements protection plans.
8. Reviews case progress and determines case closure when appropriate.
9. Facilitates the multiple care aspects (information sharing, case coordination, etc.).
10. Ensures orders are complied with by client and client's families and/or caregivers.
11. Collects and evaluates relevant information to make decisions related to case plans, services and outcomes.
12. Maintains thorough case documentation for each client in database.
13. Initiates court actions through appropriate petitions and motions in conjunction with Tribal presenting officers.
14. Testifies and presents APS investigation evidence at administrative hearings, court proceedings, criminal, civil and administrative proceedings as requested.
15. Develops and makes referrals to other community resources; internal and external stakeholders such as Elder & Vulnerable Adult Services, Law Enforcement, and the Washington State Complaint Resolution Unit (CRU), etc.
16. Build positive relationships with community members, families and internal and external stakeholders
17. Acquires a complete working understanding of all relevant and related Tribal Ordinances and Codes, especially the Vulnerable Adult Protection Code.
18. Administers and implements the codes with other Tribal entities when necessary.
19. Provides client advocacy, as well as consultation, networking, family support and crisis intervention.
20. Provides annual training sessions regarding vulnerable Tribal adult abuse reporting, available assistance, and available resources to community.
21. Participates in department and Tribal planning efforts, events, and special projects of benefit to the members of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
22. Provides back-up support to Social Worker when Social Worker is unavailable or when assistance is needed.
23. Maintains the strictest adherence to confidentiality.
24. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (BA) from an accredited college or university in health sciences or social work required. MSW preferred. Must have a minimum of two years previous experience working with tribal Elders or Vulnerable Adult population coordinating all services. Experience must include working with a vulnerable adult population and addressing Elder abuse. Intermediate to advanced computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases required.


Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret technical procedures and instructions, write routine reports and procedural instructions, and assist with grant applications. Ability to effectively communicate and present information to Elders, families, caregivers and those working with the Tribe.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, volume, proportions, etc.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to understand instructions and interpret appropriateness, solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.


Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability and knowledge to work closely with Tribal Elders and Vulnerable Adults and their families.
• Must submit and be able to pass a criminal background check prior to employment and periodically after employment.
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and be insurable, and must sign a release of information to obtain a Washington State Driving Abstract. Driver's License must not contain any restrictions that would otherwise prevent a Tribal employee from complying with the Tribe's Vehicle Use Policy.
• Must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment.
• Must provide several references that validate the applicant's good character and trustworthiness to work with Elders and Vulnerable Adults.
• Maintains and ensures highest level of confidentiality regarding client issues.
• This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier and other office equipment.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 10 to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level is usually moderate.
• The physical exertion is low to moderate.
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• There are frequent employee contacts and interruptions during the day.
• Travel and transport Vulnerable Adults throughout the service area.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law

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*Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.

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or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

3001 Puyalupabsh, Tacoma, WA 98404

Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.