DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Intake Specialist

Adult Protective Service Intake Specialist (Social Services Specialist
3)

Join us today and be part of our hard-working team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations. Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking a Social Service Intake Specialist to join our team in Lacey, WA.

• Receive reports of allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults
• Receives, collects, analyzes, and evaluates information, creates reports, conducts data entry input, processes and screens information, makes referrals, and independently assigns reports for investigation based on risk priority
• Educate vulnerable adults, the community and professionals about vulnerable adult mistreatment and appropriate services
• Conduct thorough, timely, and objective investigations of alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect and may provide protective services and legal remedies to protect vulnerable adults
• Answer live calls, receive, collect, screen, process and input data into automated systems, research, and complete and assign reports (i.e., fax, telephone, in person, electronic and written correspondence)
• Make follow-up phone calls to interview collateral contacts, reporters, and others to gather additional information
• Coordinate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding the needs of clients served
• Identify situations presenting a risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refer to the appropriate agency
• Educate vulnerable adults, the community, and professionals about appropriate services as provided by rules and regulations, policy guidelines, and client consent

• 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
• Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
• Understanding of Long-Term Care programs and policy
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously making decisions, sometimes in immediate safety situations
• Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2, 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 2 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 2.

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.

• 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 their appointment

Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you’ll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.

• An updated resume
• Cover…