DSHS HCLA APS Adult Protective Services Investigator

About the role

Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced professionals to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Vancouver, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State. 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

Requirements

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2
• OR a Master's degree in human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2
• OR a Bachelor's degree in 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
• OR an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 6 years (practicum work substitutes for one year of paid social service experience)

Skills

• 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
• 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

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
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license and liability insurance if using a privately owned vehicle

For questions, contact DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06484.