DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

State of Washington • Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA

2d

About The Position

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is hiring a Social Service Specialist 3 for its Adult Protective Services (APS) team in Walla Walla, Washington. The role independently investigates reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect involving vulnerable adults. The investigator gathers and evaluates evidence, assesses safety and service needs, documents investigation activity, and connects people with services that support their safety and dignity.

The position works with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, DSHS staff, and community partners. It also involves client advocacy, consultation, family support, crisis intervention, and providing testimony in administrative hearings and court proceedings. Travel is required to meet business needs. A hybrid telework arrangement or flexible schedule may be considered after successful completion of the training period. Employees must complete the division-sponsored formal training course within one year of appointment. Certain roles involving unannounced visits to private residences may be eligible for 10% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Applicants must meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: one year as a Social Service Specialist 2 and completion of the agency training program; a relevant master's degree and one year as a Social Service Specialist 2 or equivalent paid social service experience; a relevant bachelor's degree and two years of equivalent paid social service experience; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience totaling six years. Practicum work may substitute for one year of paid experience, as may a two-year master's degree in a listed field that included a practicum.

Requirements

• 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 one of those fields and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field totaling six years may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Practicum work may substitute for one year of paid social service experience. A two-year master's degree in a listed field that included a practicum may also substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
• Must successfully complete the division-sponsored formal training course within one year of appointment.
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must carry liability insurance.
• Strong investigative, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills to assess reports and conduct thorough investigations.
• 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.
• Ability to adapt to changing policies and organizational priorities.
• Ability to maintain focus under pressure and make sound decisions independently, including in urgent safety-related situations.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
• Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children.

Responsibilities

• Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts.
• Collect and evaluate information to determine investigation findings, services, and outcomes.
• Document pertinent investigation activity in electronic systems using computer software applications.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local and regional DSHS staff, and community agencies and 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.
• Travel as needed to meet business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level