DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

Overview

DSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 5 (APS Supervisor)
Adult Protective Services (APS), within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), provides protective services to vulnerable adults in accordance with RCW 74.34, applicable WACs, and Chapter 6 of the Long-Term Care Manual. We are currently seeking a strong and motivated leader to serve as an APS Supervisor
. In this role, you will train and guide new APS Investigators as they join our team in Tacoma, WA
.

As an APS Supervisor, you will independently oversee a unit of Social Service Specialists, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in investigative work. You will train new investigators through every step of the investigative process, providing clear and consistent consultation on case handling. Additionally, you will assign, prioritize, audit, and review work assignments on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with policies and best practices, maximizing the quality of service provided to clients.

This role also involves hiring, training, and evaluating new investigators while identifying coaching and development needs. You will conduct monthly unit meetings, reinforce APS policies and procedures, and provide continuous support through one-on-one and group training sessions. If necessary, you will initiate corrective or disciplinary action to maintain high professional standards.

This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity that allows you to apply your investigative expertise to mentor and support new investigators as they grow into independent, skilled APS professionals.

Join us today
—apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!

• Investigative experience and in-depth knowledge of laws, policies and directives governing services to vulnerable adults within the State of Washington.
• Ability to establish relationships and effectively collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with peers, clients, constituents, community partners, outside agencies, other members of the community, and internal and external partners, regarding the requirements and services available pertaining to APS.
• Must be able to successfully perform the essential functions as described in the PDF and perform the physical requirements of this position such as traveling and lifting, moving, and transferring equipment (such as a laptop, files, manuals, etc.)
• Ability to identify and evaluate social dynamics affecting client choice and decision making.
• Prior experience or demonstrated ability to supervise multiple staff and maintain the organizational structure.
• Ability to independently assess situations and utilize professional independent judgment.

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
• OR
• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
• OR
• Four years of experience as Social Service Specialist 2.
• OR
• A Master’s degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice or an allied field and four years 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 six years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• OR
• Ten years of paid professional/practical social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

NOTE:

A two-year master s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your completed online application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references with updated contact information

• Work schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
• 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…