DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Service Investigator - Social Service Specialist 3

DSHS's Adult Protective Services (APS), are hiring for a Social Service Specialist 3 to join the team in Aberdeen, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.