DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

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 Description 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 classification that involve 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. 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. Equal combination of education and/or work experience totaling six years will substitute for the degree requirement. A master’s practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children. Investigative work experience that includes research, observation, asking clarifying questions, and comparing stories. Capability of autonomous decision-making in critical or immediate safety situations, developing effective solutions. Experience using Microsoft Office, data‑entry, and documentation skills. Exceptional critical thinking, time management, and focus. Application of empathy and adaptability to resolve tense situations effectively while maintaining focus and reducing risks. Proficiency in Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies. High adaptability to evolving policies and directions. Telework and Flex Work A telework and/or flex work schedule may be considered after your training is completed. Benefits Washington State offers a competitive benefits package including medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance; flexible spending accounts; basic life and long‑term disability insurance; retirement options through the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS); a Deferred Compensation Program; federal Social Security and Medicare coverage; and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Paid holidays, personal holidays, sick leave, vacation (annual leave), military leave, bereavement leave, parental leave, and leave sharing options are also provided. Payroll deduction options for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance and the Washington State Employee Assistance Program are available. Equal Opportunity Employer 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 (360) 725‑5810. 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. Contact 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 05138. #J-18808-Ljbffr