DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

Description Pursue a meaningful journey to protect vulnerable adults as an Adult Protective Services Investigator , also called a Social Service Specialist 1-3, with DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). Whether you're an experienced investigator or ready to learn through our comprehensive training program, you'll play a vital role in advocacy and protection. Opportunities in this job classification, that perform unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse, or neglect of vulnerable adults, are entitled to a 10% increase in addition to the advertised salary. We have multiple full-time opportunities in various locations in Western Washington’s Region 2 including Federal Way, Renton, Seattle, Lynnwood, Everett, Arlington, and Mount Vernon. In this role, you will investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults or adults with developmental disabilities. Your success will be measured by your ability to observe and gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and assist people with services that maintain their safety and dignity. This is deeply meaningful work which helps protect people in Washington state. We're seeking your skills in research and customer service to independently investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect involving vulnerable adults, while ensuring compassionate and effective communication with individuals, families, and community partners. Your success will be measured by your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and assist people with services that maintain their safety and dignity. This is a dynamic field-based social service role that involves traveling within local communities to provide support and assistance. Daily travel is required. If assigned to a King County duty station, King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Snohomish and King County employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Some Of What You Will Do Make observations and conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts; travel within communities to conduct investigations. Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes. Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record this 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 at criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. If hired as a Social Service Specialist 1 or 2, these duties are performed while in-training and under close supervision. Who Should Apply Professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, education, healthcare, or another allied field. Relevant work experience in social services, healthcare, education, criminal justice, or allied fields may substitute for formal education requirements. Relevant experience will determine if you are hired as a Social Service Specialist 1 - 2 in-training or Social Service Specialist 3 . Desired Experience using Microsoft Office, data-entry, and documentation skills. Apply empathy and adaptability to resolve tense situations effectively while maintaining focus and reducing risks. Proficient in Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies. Highly adaptable to evolving policies and directions. Exceptional critical thinking, time management, and focus. Capable of autonomous decision-making in critical or immediate safety situations, developing effective solutions. Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children is a plus. We will provide formal training courses to give you the training you need to be successful. Your starting salary depends on your qualifications. A telework and/or flex work schedule may be considered after the training program is completed. Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Jill Ranft at jill.ranft@dshs.wa.gov or call 360.995.2275 and reference project number 03081. 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 meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. #WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks #SocialWork Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. 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, 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. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security