DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Intake Specialist

DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Intake Specialist ( Social Services Specialist 3)

Join us today and be part of our hard-working team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations. Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking a Social Service Intake Specialist to join our team in Lacey, WA.

As part of a statewide APS Intake Unit located in Home and Community Living Administration Headquarters in Lacey, you will receive allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.  

This role is a near fulltime remote (teleworking) with the duty station as HQ. In-person travel may be required for in-person meetings, business needs, trainings, and as needed.

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'll be doing:
 

• Receive reports of allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults
• Receives, collects, analyzes, and evaluates information, creates reports, conducts data entry input, processes and screens information, makes referrals, and independently assigns reports for investigation based on risk priority
• Educate vulnerable adults, the community and professionals about vulnerable adult mistreatment and appropriate services
• Conduct thorough, timely and objective investigations of alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect and may provide protective services and legal remedies to protect vulnerable adults
• Answer live calls, receive, collect, screen, process and input data into automated systems, research, and complete and assign reports (i.e., fax, telephone, in person, electronic and written correspondence)
• Make follow-up phone calls to interview collateral contacts, reporters, and others to gather additional information
• Coordinate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding the needs of clients served
• Identify situations presenting a risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refer to the appropriate agency
• Educate vulnerable adults, the community, and professionals about appropriate services as provided by rules and regulations, policy guidelines, and client consent

What we're looking for:

• 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

• Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
• Understanding of Long-Term Care programs and policy
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously making decisions, sometimes in immediate safety situations
• Experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults or children

Who should apply?

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2, and completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.

OR 

• 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.

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.

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.

A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum 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

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
• Cover letter
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Email the recruiter at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 04692.

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.