State of Washington
DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Service Investigator
State of Washington, Vancouver, Washington, United States, 98662
DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Investigator
Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer two opportunities for experienced social service investigators to join our Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) team as APS Investigators.
In this role, you will independently investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect affecting adults who require protective services, including people with developmental disabilities. Your work is essential in safeguarding others, ensuring their well‑being, and connecting them with supportive resources that uphold their dignity and independence. Success in this job relies on your ability to gather evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and collaborate effectively with individuals, families, and community partners.
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.
This is a dynamic field‑based social service role that involves traveling within local communities to provide support and assistance. Daily travel is required. We have two full‑time opportunities in Vancouver, WA.
Some of what you will do:
Conduct face‑to‑face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts in various settings, including residential facilities, hospitals, and private homes.
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, criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.
Who should apply? One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
Or, A Master's degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
Or, 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.
Or, 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.
*NOTE: Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience working with vulnerable adults, assessing risks, and making decisions in high‑stakes situations.
Strong investigative skills, including interviewing techniques and the ability to assess medical, psychological, and legal documents.
The ability to remain calm and decisive in crisis situations and make quick judgments regarding personal and client safety.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, for interacting with diverse stakeholders, including those with mental or physical impairments.
Proficiency with various software applications (Word, Outlook, etc.) and the ability to learn new programs quickly.
The physical capability to conduct fieldwork, including traveling between different locations and potentially working outside standard office hours.
Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
Additional Notes: New employees will complete a formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
This role will require travel to meet business needs.
A telework and/or flex work schedule may be considered after training is completed.
Questions? Email vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov, reference 05525.
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.
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.
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In this role, you will independently investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect affecting adults who require protective services, including people with developmental disabilities. Your work is essential in safeguarding others, ensuring their well‑being, and connecting them with supportive resources that uphold their dignity and independence. Success in this job relies on your ability to gather evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and collaborate effectively with individuals, families, and community partners.
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.
This is a dynamic field‑based social service role that involves traveling within local communities to provide support and assistance. Daily travel is required. We have two full‑time opportunities in Vancouver, WA.
Some of what you will do:
Conduct face‑to‑face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts in various settings, including residential facilities, hospitals, and private homes.
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, criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.
Who should apply? One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
Or, A Master's degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
Or, 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.
Or, 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.
*NOTE: Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience working with vulnerable adults, assessing risks, and making decisions in high‑stakes situations.
Strong investigative skills, including interviewing techniques and the ability to assess medical, psychological, and legal documents.
The ability to remain calm and decisive in crisis situations and make quick judgments regarding personal and client safety.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, for interacting with diverse stakeholders, including those with mental or physical impairments.
Proficiency with various software applications (Word, Outlook, etc.) and the ability to learn new programs quickly.
The physical capability to conduct fieldwork, including traveling between different locations and potentially working outside standard office hours.
Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
Additional Notes: New employees will complete a formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
This role will require travel to meet business needs.
A telework and/or flex work schedule may be considered after training is completed.
Questions? Email vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov, reference 05525.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr