DSHS ALTSA Adult Protective Service Investigator

Description

Adult Protective Services is excited to have Social Service Specialist 3 opportunities for professionals with investigative skills to join our team as Investigative Social Service Specialists.These amazing career opportunities offer you the ability to grow with DSHS and join a dedicated team focused on protecting Washingtonians.

We need your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to independently investigate reports of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults. Your success will be measured by your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and assist people with services that maintain their safety and dignity. Your knowledge, dedication, and compassion will help transform lives.

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.
 
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, criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings

Who should apply?
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A master’s degree in social services, 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 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.
OR
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.

Knowledge, skills, & abilities: 

• Ability to assess situations and utilize sound professional independent judgment
• Good time management skills
• Ability to assess situations posing risk and safety and react appropriately
• Use of Microsoft Office and data-entry systems and strong documentation skills 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, organize and triage workload 
• Ability to communicate and comprehend, through oral and written forms of communication with management peers, clients, and the public
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all client information
• Ability to resolve conflicts or complaints between persons and groups with diverse personalities and differing goals
• Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
• Adaptability for ever-changing policies and directions
• Strong critical thinking skills and stay focused
• Ability to work independently to complete investigations/assessments in the homes and residences of individuals

New employees will complete a formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
 
These jobs will require travel to meet business needs.  
A telework and/or flex work schedule may be considered after training is completed.
 
Starting salary depends on your qualifications. 

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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? Contact the Recruiter at [email protected] and reference 02358, to learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov. 

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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