DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

State of Washington • Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

5d

About The Position

The Department of Social and Health Services’ Home and Community Living Administration is hiring Adult Protective Services Investigators (Social Service Specialist 3) for its Tacoma office. Investigators independently investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect affecting adults who require protective services, including people with developmental disabilities. The role involves gathering and evaluating evidence, making decisions about investigations and services, and connecting at-risk adults with supportive resources that uphold their dignity and independence. It is a dynamic, field-based position requiring daily travel within local communities. A hybrid and/or flexible work schedule may be considered after training, based on business needs. Opportunities involving unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults receive a 10% increase in addition to the advertised salary.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law or justice, education, healthcare, or another allied field, and two years of paid relevant work experience in social services, healthcare, education, criminal justice, or allied fields.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social service allied fields totaling six years may substitute for the degree requirement.
• A master’s practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
• A valid driver’s license is required for employees driving on state business.
• Employees using a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on that vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Experience assessing risk and safety for vulnerable adults or children.
• Investigative work experience involving research, observation, asking clarifying questions, and comparing stories.
• Ability to make autonomous decisions in critical or immediate safety situations and develop effective solutions.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, data entry, and documentation.
• Strong critical thinking, time management, and focus.
• Ability to use empathy and adaptability to resolve tense situations while maintaining focus and reducing risks.
• Proficiency in Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
• High adaptability to evolving policies and directions.

Responsibilities

• Make observations and conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts; travel within communities to conduct investigations.
• Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to investigations, services, and outcomes.
• Document pertinent activity for each investigation electronically using computer application systems.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, 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.

What This Job Offers

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