DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Service Investigators - Social Service Specialist 3 Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced social service investigators to join our Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) team as APS Investigators. Job Overview In this role, you will independently investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self‑neglect affecting adults who require protective services, including people with developmental disabilities. Your work is essential in safeguarding others, ensuring their well‑being, and connecting them with supportive resources that uphold their dignity and independence. Success in this job relies on your ability to gather evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and collaborate effectively with individuals, families, and community partners. Additional Information Opportunities in this job classification that perform unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse, or neglect of vulnerable adults, are entitled to a 10% increase in addition to the advertised salary. King County employees receive a 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an ORCA card for transportation needs. This is a dynamic, field‑based social service role that involves traveling within local communities to provide support and assistance. Daily travel is required. We have multiple full‑time opportunities in various locations in Western Washington’s Region 2 including: Renton, Seattle, Everett and Federal Way. Responsibilities Make observations and conduct face‑to‑face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts; travel within communities to conduct investigations. Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes. Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record this electronically using computer 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 at criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. Qualifications Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, education, healthcare, or another allied field. Two years of paid relevant work experience in social services, healthcare, education, criminal justice, or allied fields. Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social service allied fields totaling six years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement. A master’s practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience using Microsoft Office, data‑entry, and documentation skills. Apply empathy and adaptability to resolve tense situations effectively while maintaining focus and reducing risks. Proficient in Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies. Highly adaptable to evolving policies and directions. Exceptional critical thinking, time management, and focus. Capable of autonomous decision‑making in critical or immediate safety situations, developing effective solutions. Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children is a plus. Telework/Flex A telework and/or flex work schedule may be considered after your training is completed. Contact Questions? Please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io or call Talent Acquisition View phone number on click.appcast.io and reference job number 05147. EEO Statement 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. Background Check 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. Benefits Overview Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. The benefits include health insurance (medical, vision, dental), life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, paid leave, staff training, and other compensation benefits. Employees are eligible for benefits as described in the agency’s current benefits charter. 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