DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Service Investigator - Social Service Specialist 3

Full Job Description

DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Service Investigators - Social Service Specialist 3

Bring your investigating skills to advocate and protect vulnerable adults as an Adult Protective Services Investigator within Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) at the Department of Social and Health Services in Vancouver, WA.

As an Adult Protective Service Investigator, you’ll investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect involving vulnerable adults.

The work involves gathering facts, speaking with individuals involved, reviewing records, and making thoughtful decisions that can change someone’s life.

Although investigating is a large part of the job, you'll also ensure people connect to services, support, and legal protections when they need it most.

You’ll work alongside law enforcement, medical professionals, legal teams, and community organizations to help protect adults within our communities.

This is a field-based social service role requiring travel within local communities to provide support and conduct investigations.

Work takes place independently in homes, hospitals, and care settings, where strong judgment and professionalism guide each interaction.

A hybrid/flexible work schedule may be considered after the training program is completed.

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 adults, may be eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you will do:

• Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts; travel within communities when needed.
• Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes.
• Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record this 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 at criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.

Who should apply?

One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A master's degree in social services, 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 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.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling six years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.

Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Investigation skills: Gather and analyze information from multiple sources to determine what occurred and what action is needed.
• Communication skills: Explain complex situations clearly while listening with care and respect, even in difficult conversations.
• Policy application: Interpret and apply laws, rules, and agency guidance to real-life situations with consistency and accuracy.
• Cultural awareness: Approach each person with respect and adapt communication to meet diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Documentation skills: Produce clear, professional reports that accurately reflect facts, decisions, and actions taken.
• Technical skills: Navigate computer systems and learn new tools to manage cases and maintain accurate records.
• Crisis response: Remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions when situations are urgent or emotionally charged.

Questions? Please contact Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02320.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

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.

Additional Information

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. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. 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.

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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security