DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist - Adult Protective Service Investigator

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3 – Adult Protective Service Investigator

Adult Protective Services (APS) is hiring for Social Service Specialist 3s to serve as Adult Protective Services Investigators in Tumwater, WA. These positions play a critical role in protecting vulnerable adults by responding to reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation, and self-neglect across Tumwater and surrounding counties.

This work is investigative, independent, and community-based. APS Investigators assess complex situations, conduct in-person interviews in a variety of settings, and make time‑sensitive decisions that directly impact safety and well‑being. The role requires sound judgment, strong documentation skills, and the ability to navigate challenging and emotionally charged situations with professionalism and care.

APS Investigators work closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, legal partners, and community agencies to coordinate protective services and ensure appropriate interventions are in place.

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.

• Receive and investigate reports involving allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• Conduct face‑to‑face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts in homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, and community settings.
• Gather, review, and evaluate medical, financial, legal, and social service documentation to support investigative findings and protective service decisions.
• Assess risk, safety, and decision‑making capacity using approved tools and collateral information.
• Develop and coordinate protective service recommendations, including referrals for guardianship, conservatorship, legal assistance, health care, mental health services, and long‑term care.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, the Attorney General’s Office, judicial entities, Home and Community Services, Developmental Disabilities Administration, and community partners.
• Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.
• Document investigative activities clearly, accurately, and within required time frames using agency systems.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case staffing, quality assurance activities, and ongoing training.
• Provide community education related to APS services, program scope, and reporting requirements.
• Respond to emergent situations and critical incidents in accordance with department policy.

• 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.

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

• Investigative judgment:
  Applying independent, objective decision‑making when assessing complex, high‑risk situations involving vulnerable adults.
• Interviewing and communication skills:
  Conducting effective investigative interviews, including working with individuals…