Adult Services Investigator

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 at our Tacoma office.
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. Success in this job relies on your ability to gather evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and collaborate effectively with individuals, families, and community partners.
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. Additional positions have been added to this hiring project, therefore we have reopened it to get more applications to consider. If you previously applied, your application is still under consideration and you do not need to reapply.
A hybrid and/or flex work schedule may be considered after your training is completed, based on business 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. travel within communities to conduct investigations.
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.
Professionals with a bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, education, healthcare, or another allied field.
And 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. Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children.
Investigative work experience that includes research, observation, asking clarifying questions, and comparing stories.
Capable of autonomous decision-making in critical or immediate safety situations, developing effective solutions.
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.
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.