DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Intake Specialist

DSHS HCLA – Adult Protective Service Intake Specialist (Social Services Specialist
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Join us today and be part of our hard‑working team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations. Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking a Social Service Intake Specialist in Lacey, WA.

As part of the statewide APS Intake Unit located in the Home and Community Living Administration Headquarters in Lacey, you will receive allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self‑neglect of vulnerable adults.

This role is a near full‑time remote (teleworking) position with the duty station ‑person travel may be required for meetings, trainings, and business needs.

Opportunities in this classification that involve unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, may be eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay on top of the advertised salary.

• Receive reports of allegations related to abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self‑neglect of vulnerable adults.
• Receive, collect, analyze, and evaluate information, create reports, conduct data entry, and process and screen information, make referrals, and independently assign reports for investigation based on risk priority.
• Educate vulnerable adults, the community, and professionals about victimization and appropriate services.
• Conduct thorough, timely, and objective investigations of alleged abuse, exploitation, neglect, or self‑neglect and may provide protective services and legal remedies to protect vulnerable adults.
• Answer live calls, receive, collect, screen, process, and input data into automated systems, research, and complete and assign reports (fax, telephone, in‑person, electronic, and written correspondence).
• Make follow‑up phone calls to interview collateral contacts, reporters, and others to gather additional information.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs.
• Identify situations presenting a risk to vulnerable adults and/or children and refer to the appropriate agency.
• Educate vulnerable adults, the community, and professionals about appropriate services as provided by rules, regulations, policy guidelines, and client consent.

• 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.
• Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
• Understanding of Long‑Term Care programs and policy.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities.
• Strong critical‑thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and make decisions, sometimes in immediate safety situations.
• Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children.

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2 and completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
• Individuals with 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.
• Individuals with 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 combinations of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field totaling 6 years substitute for the degree requirement. Practicum work substitutes for one year of paid social‑service experience. A two‑year master’s degree that included a practicum substitutes for one year of paid social‑service…