Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05711

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Investigative, Social Sciences

Adult Protective Service Investigators (Social Service Specialist 3)

Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced social service investigators to join our Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) team as APS Investigators at our Tacoma office.

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.

A hybrid and/or flex work schedule may be considered after your training is completed, based on business needs. This is a dynamic, field-based social service role that involves traveling within local communities to provide support and assistance. Daily travel is required. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you will do

• Make observations and conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts; travel within communities to conduct investigations.
• Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes.
• Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record this electronically using computer 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 at criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, education, healthcare, or another allied field.
• And two years of paid relevant work experience in social services, healthcare, education, criminal justice, or allied fields.

Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social service allied fields totaling six years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement. A master’s practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children.
• Investigative work experience that includes research, observation, asking clarifying questions, and comparing stories.
• Capable of autonomous decision-making in critical or immediate safety situations, developing effective solutions.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, data-entry, and documentation skills.
• Exceptional critical thinking, time management, and focus.
• Apply empathy and adaptability to resolve tense situations effectively while maintaining focus and reducing risks.
• Proficient in Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
• Highly adaptable to evolving policies and directions.

Build a career focused on improving people’s lives. Make your passion your profession. Use your empathy and investigative expertise to partner with others and provide meaningful care, support, and resources that truly matter.

Interested? Apply today.

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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05711.

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.

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.

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