DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

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 Region
2. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.

We're 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.

Note: We are hiring for multiple locations:
Federal Way, Renton, Seattle, Everett, Smokey Point/Arlington, and Mt. Vernon. Please select the location you are interested in through the supplemental question.

• 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

Desired knowledge, skills, & abilities:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…