Adult Services Investigator

DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist 3)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is pleased to announce multiple Social Service Specialist 3 opportunities in Tumwater, WA.
We're looking for strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record electronically using computer software 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 criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and effective documentation practices.
Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions, including in urgent safety-related situations.
Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children is highly desirable.
Professionals with one year of experience 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.

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.

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. A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
These positions require travel to meet business needs.
A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
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.
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.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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. 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.