Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Bremerton, Washington, United States, 98312
DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Investigator
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Location:
Bremerton, WA
Description Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking experienced professionals to join our team as
Social Service Specialist 3s
in Bremerton, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.
We are 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.
Opportunity for additional 10% assignment pay may be available for unannounced visits in unregulated environments such as private residences.
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.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
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.
Qualifications
Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s training program.
A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, plus 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, plus 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 a degree requirement. Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
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.
Additional Information
These positions require travel to meet business needs.
A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of appointment.
Opportunities for additional 10% assignment pay for unannounced visits in unregulated environments may be available.
Along With Your Application, Please Include
An updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Email Jesus Hernandez at jesus.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference
2025-07777 .
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.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Seniority level Associate
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Government Administration, Individual and Family Services, and Hospitals and Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location:
Bremerton, WA
Description Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking experienced professionals to join our team as
Social Service Specialist 3s
in Bremerton, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.
We are 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.
Opportunity for additional 10% assignment pay may be available for unannounced visits in unregulated environments such as private residences.
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.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
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.
Qualifications
Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s training program.
A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, plus 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, plus 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 a degree requirement. Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
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.
Additional Information
These positions require travel to meet business needs.
A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of appointment.
Opportunities for additional 10% assignment pay for unannounced visits in unregulated environments may be available.
Along With Your Application, Please Include
An updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Email Jesus Hernandez at jesus.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference
2025-07777 .
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.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Seniority level Associate
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Government Administration, Individual and Family Services, and Hospitals and Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr