DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 - Adult Protective Service Investigator

Full Job Description

DSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 3 - Adult Protective Service Investigator Adult Protective Services (APS) is hiring for Social Service Specialist 3s to serve as Adult Protective Services Investigators in Tumwater, WA.

These positions play a critical role in protecting vulnerable adults by responding to reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and self-neglect across Tumwater and surrounding counties.

This work is investigative, independent, and community-based.

APS Investigators assess complex situations, conduct in-person interviews in a variety of settings, and make time-sensitive decisions that directly impact safety and well-being.

The role requires sound judgment, strong documentation skills, and the ability to navigate challenging and emotionally charged situations with professionalism and care.

APS Investigators work closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, legal partners, and community agencies to coordinate protective services and ensure appropriate interventions are in place.

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.

Some of what you will do:

• Receive and investigate reports involving allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts in homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, and community settings.
• Gather, review, and evaluate medical, financial, legal, and social service documentation to support investigative findings and protective service decisions.
• Assess risk, safety, and decision-making capacity using approved tools and collateral information.
• Develop and coordinate protective service recommendations, including referrals for guardianship, conservatorship, legal assistance, health care, mental health services, and long-term care.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, the Attorney General’s Office, judicial entities, Home and Community Services, Developmental Disabilities Administration, and community partners.
• Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
• Document investigative activities clearly, accurately, and within required timeframes using agency systems.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case staffing, quality assurance activities, and ongoing training.
• Provide community education related to APS services, program scope, and reporting requirements.
• Respond to emergent situations and critical incidents in accordance with department policy.

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.

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’re looking for:

• Investigative judgment: Applying independent, objective decision-making when assessing complex, high-risk situations involving vulnerable adults.
• Interviewing and communication skills: Conducting effective investigative interviews, including working with individuals who may have cognitive, physical, or communication barriers.
• Risk and safety assessment: Identifying immediate and long-term safety concerns and determining appropriate protective interventions.
• Documentation and organization: Maintaining thorough, timely, and accurate case records while managing competing priorities and mandatory response timelines.
• Collaboration and consultation: Working productively with internal partners, legal entities, medical professionals, and community agencies to coordinate services.
• Technology proficiency: Confidence using agency databases and computer systems to document work, track investigations, and manage case activity.
• Professional resilience: Maintaining professionalism in emotionally demanding situations, during conflict, and when working in unpredictable field environments.

Interested? Apply today!

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.

Questions? Please reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 00370.

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.



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