DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Field Administrator

State of Washington$93K — $124K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in managing large teams in a health or social services setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal and policy applications.
  • Strong aptitude in building partnerships with community agencies and organizations.
  • Experience in operational management, including workload assessment and staffing alignment.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven track record in crisis management and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

  • Lead regional field operations, ensuring effective team performance and service delivery.
  • Coach and support staff by setting clear expectations and providing ongoing feedback.
  • Recruit, train, and evaluate staff, promoting professional growth within the team.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance staff to drive improvement initiatives.
  • Establish partnerships with various organizations, including Tribes and law enforcement.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams to enhance service outcomes for vulnerable adults.
  • Prepare necessary documentation and represent APS in formal hearings and meetings.

Benefits

  • Flexible/Hybrid work arrangements for better work-life balance.
  • Opportunity to engage with diverse communities and improve their welfare.
  • Collaboration with a range of professionals in the public and community sectors.
  • Involvement in meaningful work that directly impacts the safety of vulnerable adults.
Full Job Description
Salary: $93,249.00 - $124,332.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Adult Protective Services Field Administrator / WMS2

This role calls for a collaborative, steady, and people-centered leader who supports Adult Protective Services (APS) teams across Region 3. As a Field Services Administrator, you guide daily operations, help staff navigate complex situations, and strengthen partnerships that protect the health and safety of vulnerable adults. You work closely with Tribes, community partners, state agencies, and internal teams to align regional practices with statewide goals and ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

(HCLA) is hiring three APS Field Administrators. One person will oversee two APS offices serving (cities and counties of) Aberdeen, Bremerton and Port Angeles. Another overseeing the Tumwater and Chehalis offices, with the third supervising the Kelso and Vancouver offices and adjoining counties.

These are field roles. Occasional travel to other Region 3 offices and APS headquarters in Lacey can be expected.

Some of what you will do
  • Lead regional field operations, including investigations, customer support, administrative functions, and staffing.
  • Support supervisors and staff through coaching, clear expectations, and consistent follow-up.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff while fostering a supportive environment for growth.
  • Guide regional quality assurance and improvement efforts, partnering with quality assurance staff to identify root causes and strengthen practices.
  • Build collaborative relationships with Tribes, community partners, law enforcement, courts, and other state agencies.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams to improve investigative quality and outcomes for vulnerable adults.
  • Provide consultation to APS leadership, Area Agencies on Aging, DSHS divisions, community partners, and legal entities.
  • Prepare incident reports and media alerts in alignment with policy.
  • Draft, implement, and monitor regional operating procedures.
  • Participate in hearings and provide testimony when needed.
  • Conduct employee fact-finding and program investigations at the direction of the appointing authority.
  • Represent APS at regional and statewide meetings, workgroups, trainings, and committees.

Who should apply

We are looking for someone who leads with clarity, inclusion, and accountability; supports staff through coaching and communication; and helps teams succeed through steady guidance and partnership. You bring sound judgment to complex situations and communicate in plain language to support APS work across diverse communities.

This role also requires substantial experience in supervising individuals and large teams, responding to critical situations, developing solutions, building community partnerships, and managing complex social and health programs. You may meet the requirements through several education and experience pathways, and the skills and abilities that support success in this role include:
  • Leading regional teams, including supporting mid-level supervisors across a large geographic area.
  • Applying laws and policies such as APS policy, personnel rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Managing operations by assessing workload needs, aligning staffing, and planning daily and long-term work.
  • Building partnerships with Tribes, community organizations, law enforcement, and other agencies.
  • Organizing work to meet deadlines and balance competing priorities.
  • Communicating clearly in writing and conversation, including preparing concise, accurate correspondence.
  • Guiding staff through crises and complex case issues while developing solutions that reduce risk.
  • Navigating conflict, de-escalating challenging situations, and holding difficult conversations with professionalism.
  • Using sound judgment to assess situations, conduct effective interviews, and support individuals with diverse needs.
  • Using technology and training others on software systems, reporting tools, and data entry processes.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:
  • Learn and apply APS policies, WAC, RCW, and complex systems.
  • Federal laws related to Washington's Tribal Nations.
  • Policy development, program planning, and evaluation experience.
  • Familiarity with HCLA and APS programs.
  • Understanding of personnel policies and collective bargaining agreements.

DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources. This role is classified as Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2). Interested? Please list 3 professional references' current contact information on your application and include your current resume and a letter of interest explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

Questions? Please contact the Recruiter, Jenny, at or 360-725-5810 and reference #07657. Learn more about

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