Job Description

Adult Protective Service Intake Specialist (Social Services Specialist 3) Join our hard‑working team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations. This role is based in the Lacey, WA Headquarters of the Home and Community Living Administration. As part of a statewide APS Intake Unit located in the Headquarters, you will receive allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self‑neglect of vulnerable adults. The position is nearly full‑time remote (teleworking) with occasional in‑person travel for meetings, business needs, trainings, and as required. Some Of What You'll Be Doing Receive reports of allegations and collect, analyze, evaluate information, create reports, perform data entry, screen information, make referrals, and independently assign 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. Answer live calls, enter data into automated systems, research, and complete and assign reports (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 client needs. Identify situations presenting a risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refer to the appropriate agency. 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 and 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 totaling 6 years will substitute in lieu of the degree requirement. Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience. Background Check Prior to a new hire, a background check that includes 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 the job. Equal Opportunity Employer Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or 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, presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or use of a trained guide or service animal. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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