DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

Overview

DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist
3). APS is pleased to announce multiple Social Service Specialist 3 opportunities across the region. We have three openings in Kennewick - two permanent positions and one non-permanent position - as well as one permanent position in Spokane and one permanent position in Omak.

• 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 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. 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 application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton ilton.gov and reference job number #05937.

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…