DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator

State of Washington•Vancouver, WA

38d

About The Position

Adult Protective Services (APS) is looking for experienced professionals to join our team as Social Service Specialist 3s in Vancouver, WA. These rewarding careers allow you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State. We're looking for people with 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. 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.

Requirements

Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1, 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 1 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 1.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

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