DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Supervisor

Adult Protective Services Supervisor (Social Service Specialist
5)

Join the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) in Lacey, WA and support the safety, dignity, and well‑being of vulnerable adults by leading high‑quality investigations and protective services in the Adult Protective Services (APS) centralized intake unit.

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialist staff, providing direction, setting performance expectations, and managing hiring, training, evaluation, and corrective or disciplinary action.
• Lead unit operations by conducting regular team and one‑on‑one meetings, facilitating case staffings and multidisciplinary team meetings, and ensuring equitable workload distribution.
• Provide policy guidance, training, and clarification on laws, WACs, procedures, and program requirements, offering ongoing feedback and support for staff development.
• Review intakes, investigations, and case documentation for completeness, accuracy, quality, and compliance, and approve cases submitted to the Investigation Review Team (IRT).
• Prepare and analyze reports to monitor trends, distribute workload, correct errors, and support timely, accurate work across the unit.
• Communicate policy and procedure updates, management bulletins, and program changes to ensure staff remain informed and aligned with current requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners—including other government departments, the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement, and tribal governments—and address concerns, escalating major incidents as appropriate.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter, participate in and lead case staffings, provide testimony in administrative or judicial proceedings, and contribute to outreach efforts, committees, and special projects.

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
• Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.
• Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Combination of higher education and paid social service experience totaling at least nine years.

• Leadership – guide, support, and coach staff while setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Policy knowledge – understand and apply laws, rules, and procedures to real‑life situations.
• Critical thinking – review investigations, spot issues, and help staff determine next steps.
• Emotional intelligence – navigate conflict, de‑escalate tense situations, and conduct difficult conversations with care.
• Communication – explain expectations, give feedback, and share information clearly in writing and conversation.
• Decision‑making – assess complex situations, weigh risk, and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Collaboration – work effectively with partners inside and outside the agency.
• Technology – comfort using standard computer systems and learning new tools and software as needed (CARE, ACES Online, Barcode, payment/service authorization systems).

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Opportunity for additional assignment pay (up to 10%) for unannounced visits in unregulated environments.

• Competitive Washington State benefits package, including medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; paid leave; and employee assistance programs.

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 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.