Salary : $69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually
Location : Clark County - Vancouver, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist 3)(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 and reference job number
#06484.
