DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

DSHS's Adult Protective Services (APS) is hiring for a Social Service Specialist 3 to join the team in Aberdeen, WA. Our professionals play a vital role in protecting vulnerable adults across Washington state by investigating reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and self-neglect while ensuring individuals receive the services and support they need to live safely and with dignity.

About the role

This work takes you directly into the community. You will meet with individuals in their homes, hospitals, residential care settings, and other community locations to understand their circumstances and assess their safety. Through careful conversations, thoughtful investigation, and collaboration with both internal and external partners, you'll help determine what has occurred and what support or protective actions may be needed.

This is a meaningful career that requires empathy, strong judgment, and clear communication. You will work closely with community partners, legal professionals, medical providers, and families to help ensure vulnerable adults have access to protection, resources, and support. For someone who values service, integrity, and the opportunity to make a difference, this role offers purpose-driven work every day.

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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person interviews with vulnerable adults, witnesses, and others to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation.
• Visit homes, hospitals, residential facilities, and community locations to assess living situations and identify potential safety concerns.
• Gather and evaluate information from individuals, families, records, and professionals to determine appropriate findings and next steps.
• Document investigative activities, case decisions, and required reports in state systems and official records.
• Work with law enforcement, medical providers, residential care staff, and community organizations to address safety concerns and service needs.
• Provide advocacy, guidance, and support to vulnerable adults during difficult or uncertain situations.
• Develop service plans that help promote safety while respecting individual rights and personal choices.
• Present investigative findings during case review meetings and collaborate with colleagues on complex situations.
• Prepare written reports, respond to administrative requests, and address inquiries from individuals or community members.
• Provide testimony during administrative hearings or court proceedings when cases require legal review.
• Educate community members and professionals about recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Requirements

This position requires travel and work in the community based on business needs. Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• One year 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. Practicum work can substitute for one year of 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. Practicum work can substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
• 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.

Skills

• Investigative skill: Analyze reports, gather relevant information, and evaluate facts to determine whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred.
• Risk assessment: Identify safety concerns and evaluate the level of risk in order to recommend appropriate protective actions or services.
• Communication: Build trust with vulnerable adults while clearly explaining processes, services, and next steps to individuals, families, and professionals.
• Professional judgment: Evaluate complex situations and make thoughtful decisions that balance safety, rights, and available resources.
• Documentation: Prepare clear, organized reports and records that accurately reflect investigative activities and findings.
• Cultural awareness: Engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Technology skills: Use computers and software systems to document investigations, manage case information, and complete required reports.
• Collaboration: Partner effectively with law enforcement, health care providers, residential care staff, and community organizations to support client well-being.

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 applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.