Salary : $74,748.00 - $100,488.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 11/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Services Lead (Social Service Specialist 4)Are you an experienced social services professional who enjoys supporting others while making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable adults? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), (HCLA), is seeking an (APS) Lead to join our team in Lacey, WA.
In this role, you will provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to Social Service Specialist staff while completing intakes and performing advanced level specialized case management in conducting complex investigations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, personal exploitation, or self-neglect of vulnerable adults who are eighteen and over. You'll help strengthen intake practices, support staff development, and ensure consistent high-quality services. As a senior resource for the team, you'll also take the lead on high-risk and high-profile intakes, helping vulnerable individuals and ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being.
Some of what you'll do:- Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to Social Service Specialists conducting Adult Protective Services (APS) intakes and investigations.
- Facilitate staff development through classroom instruction, on-the-job training, case consultation, and support for employees transitioning from formal training to independent intake and fieldwork.
- Coordinate unit workflow by assigning and auditing work, triaging intakes, reviewing case actions for accuracy, identifying training needs, and providing constructive feedback in collaboration with the supervisor.
- Conduct advanced-level intakes and complex investigations involving allegations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.
- Lead investigations involving high-risk, life-threatening, publicly scrutinized, or otherwise complex cases, including conducting interviews and coordinating responses with internal and external partners.
- Provide supervisory coverage in the supervisor's absence, including attending and facilitating meetings, providing case consultation, interpreting policies and procedures, and supporting unit operations.
- Prepare investigative findings, reports, and documentation; coordinate with legal counsel and other stakeholders; and provide expert testimony at administrative hearings, depositions, and court proceedings.
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:- Ability to independently conduct complex investigations and assessments, evaluate allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect, and apply applicable RCW, WAC, and departmental policies.
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, assess risk, make informed decisions, and develop appropriate interventions in high-risk, complex, and crisis situations.
- Skill in de-escalating conflict, managing hostile or volatile situations, maintaining personal safety, and communicating effectively with individuals experiencing challenging circumstances.
- Ability to provide coaching, mentoring, case consultation, and constructive feedback while supporting staff development, quality assurance, and consistent investigative practices.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including interviewing individuals with diverse backgrounds or communication needs, working with interpreters, resolving conflicts, and preparing professional reports and correspondence.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex caseloads and competing deadlines while adapting to emergencies, changing priorities, and unit coverage needs.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems, including the ability to maintain accurate records, analyze case information, and learn agency databases and software applications.
Who should apply?Professionals who meet one of the following education and experience combinations:
- One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
- Three years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- A bachelor's degree or higher in social services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field AND four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- A master's degree in social services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field AND two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling eight or more years.
NOTE: A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
Additional information:- This role will utilize a hybrid structure of telework and in-person as business needs require
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- A cover letter
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at and reference job number
#09113. 
