DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 5

Description

DSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 5 (APS Supervisor)

DSHSs Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates and provides protective services following reports of abuse neglect self-neglect abandonment and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults across Washington state. We are currently hiring for an APS Supervisor to supervise a team of APS investigators in Tumwater.

As an APS Supervisor you will independently oversee a unit of Social Service Specialists ensuring they develop a strong foundation in investigative work. You will train new investigators through every step of the investigative process providing clear and consistent consultation on case handling. Additionally you will assign prioritize audit and review work assignments on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with policies and best practices maximizing the quality of service provided to clients.

The quality of the teams investigations directly affects the safety of the people APS serves. A delayed or incomplete investigation can leave a vulnerable adult at continued risk while a thorough one can stop harm and connect that person to needed services. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring every case is handled promptly accurately and in accordance with state law and agency policy.

This position also manages the units daily operations including hiring training staff schedules leave coverage and workload distribution. Consistent coverage allows the unit to respond reliably to the community members who depend on APS.

Additional incentives: 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 youll do:

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialists who investigate abuse neglect abandonment self-neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• Train new and current staff on investigation steps and current agency policy and procedures long-term care manual WAC and Management Bulletins.
• Review case files for thoroughness and accuracy and approve or return investigations for more work.
• Manage a small caseload and cover investigations when staff are on leave.
• Set expectations for staff performance complete evaluations and take corrective or disciplinary action when needed.
• Assign and audit casework to keep it distributed fairly and moving on schedule.
• Hold monthly one-on-one meetings case staffing sessions and unit meetings.
• Coordinate with law enforcement courts tribal governments and community agencies on shared cases.
• Participate in hiring including interviews reference checks and hiring recommendations.
• Testify in judicial or administrative hearings related to APS cases.
• Respond to client and constituent concerns and report critical incidents through the proper channels.
• Review reports and data to track the units workload and progress.

Additional knowledge skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Investigative knowledge: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the state laws and policies governing adult protective services.
• Leadership: Directs a team through complex casework and maintains consistent professional standards.
• Coaching: Develops staff capabilities through structured training and constructive feedback.
• Communication: Builds strong working relationships with staff courts law enforcement and community partners to coordinate services.
• Trusted professional judgment: Makes sound independent decisions and resolves staffing or case concerns as they arise.
• Planning: Organizes staff schedules and workload to maintain case progress.
• Adaptability: Works effectively across home visits care facilities and office settings.
• Equity commitment: Recognizes and responds to the diverse backgrounds needs and circumstances of the vulnerable adults served and promotes fair respectful treatment across the unit.

Who should apply Professionals that meet one of the following criteria:

One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.

OR

Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.

OR

Four years of experience as Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

A masters degree* in Social Services Human Services Behavioral Sciences Criminal Law/Justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

A bachelors degree in Social Services Human Services Behavioral Sciences Criminal Law/Justice or an allied field and five years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

Nine years of paid professional/practical social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

*NOTE: A two-year masters degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Interested Apply today!

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 agencys 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.

Questions Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at and reference job number #07646.

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 applicants 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 drivers 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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire you must disclose whether you have a relative household member close friend or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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Required Experience:

IC