DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

Salary: $5,666.00 - $7,622.00 Monthly
Location : Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-02997
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 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 Service Investigator - Social Service Specialist 3
DSHS's (APS), are hiring for a Social Service Specialist 3 to join the team in Bremerton, WA. Our Social Service Specialist 3 professionals play a vital role in protecting vulnerable adults across Washington state. In this role, you'll investigate reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and self-neglect while helping ensure individuals receive the services and support they need to live safely and with dignity.
This work takes you directly into the community. You will meet with individuals in their homes, hospitals, residential care settings and other community locations to understand their circumstances and assess their safety. Through careful conversations, thoughtful investigation and collaboration with both internal and external partners, you'll help determine what has occurred and what support or protective actions may be needed.
This is a meaningful career that requires empathy, strong judgment and clear communication. You will work closely with community partners, legal professionals, medical providers and families to help ensure vulnerable adults have access to protection, resources and support. For someone who values service, integrity and the opportunity to make a difference, this role offers purpose-driven work every day.
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 in-person interviews with vulnerable adults, witnesses and others to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation.
• Visit homes, hospitals, residential facilities and community locations to assess living situations and identify potential safety concerns.
• Gather and evaluate information from individuals, families, records and professionals to determine appropriate findings and next steps.
• Document investigative activities, case decisions and required reports in state systems and official records.
• Work with law enforcement, medical providers, residential care staff and community organizations to address safety concerns and service needs.
• Provide advocacy, guidance and support to vulnerable adults during difficult or uncertain situations.
• Develop service plans that help promote safety while respecting individual rights and personal choices.
• Present investigative findings during case review meetings and collaborate with colleagues on complex situations.
• Prepare written reports, respond to administrative requests and address inquiries from individuals or community members.
• Provide testimony during administrative hearings or court proceedings when cases require legal review.
• Educate community members and professionals about recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Who should apply? Those that meet one of the following criteria:

• One year 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. Practicum work can substitute for one year of 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. Practicum work can substitute for one year of paid social service experience.

OR

• 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.

Please note:

• This positions requires travel and work in the community based on business needs.
• Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for :

• Investigative skill. Analyze reports, gather relevant information and evaluate facts to determine whether abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred.
• Risk assessment. Identify safety concerns and evaluate the level of risk in order to recommend appropriate protective actions or services.
• Communication. Build trust with vulnerable adults while clearly explaining processes, services and next steps to individuals, families and professionals.
• Professional judgment. Evaluate complex situations and make thoughtful decisions that balance safety, rights and available resources.
• Documentation. Prepare clear, organized reports and records that accurately reflect investigative activities and findings.
• Cultural awareness. Engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Technology skills. Use computers and software systems to document investigations, manage case information and complete required reports.
• Collaboration. Partner effectively with law enforcement, health care providers, residential care staff and community organizations to support client well-being.

Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you'll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.


Interested? Apply today!

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at and reference job number 02997 .

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.

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 a combination of your education and experience in the social services field?

• I have a bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and one years of social service experience (or completed a practicum, and one year of experience).
• I have a masters degree or higher and one year additional experience in social services, human services, and criminal law/justice or completed a practicum.
• I have the equivalent of six years of education and/or experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field.
• I have worked as a Social Service Specialist 2 for at least one year.
• None of the above applies to me.

Required Question