DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

Overview

DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist
3). Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Kennewick, 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 are looking for strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect.

In this role, your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and connect individuals with services that support their safety and dignity will be key to your success.

• 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

• 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

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1, 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 1 or equivalent 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 1

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.

• 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.

Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you’ll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.

Along With Your…