DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator
About the role
Adult Protective Services (APS) is pleased to announce multiple Social Service Specialist 3 opportunities across the region. We have three openings in Kennewick - two permanent positions and one non-permanent position - as well as one permanent position in Spokane and one permanent position in Omak. 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.
Responsibilities
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts.
- Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes.
- 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.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Proven ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, practical solutions.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- 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.
- Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure.
- Able 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.
Who should apply?
Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2, and completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program. OR 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. OR 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. Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience. 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.
Additional Information
- 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.