Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06484

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Investigative, Human Services, Community and Social Services

DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist 3)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced professionals to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Vancouver, 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're looking for 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.

Some of what you will do

• 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

Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

• A Master's degree in human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree in 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.

OR

• An 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.

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 their appointment.
• 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.

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

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06484


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.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

DSHS ESH Physician description image

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security