About this opportunity
GovernmentJobs.com lists this DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 5 opportunity in olympia, Washington. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Job Title
DSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 5 (APS Supervisor)
Job Description
DSHS's Adult Protective Services (APS), investigates and provides protective services following reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults across Washington state. We are currently hiring for an APS Supervisor to supervise a team of APS investigators in Tumwater.
As an APS Supervisor, you will independently oversee a unit of Social Service Specialists, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in investigative work. You will train new investigators through every step of the investigative process, providing clear and consistent consultation on case handling. Additionally, you will assign, prioritize, audit, and review work assignments on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with policies and best practices, maximizing the quality of service provided to clients.
The quality of the team's investigations directly affects the safety of the people APS serves. A delayed or incomplete investigation can leave a vulnerable adult at continued risk, while a thorough one can stop harm and connect that person to needed services. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring every case is handled promptly, accurately, and in accordance with state law and agency policy.
This position also manages the unit's daily operations, including hiring, training, staff schedules, leave coverage, and workload distribution. Consistent coverage allows the unit to respond reliably to the community members who depend on APS. Additional incentives: 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 do:
Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialists who investigate abuse, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Train new and current staff on investigation steps and current agency policy and procedures, long-term care manual, WAC, and Management Bulletins.
Review case files for thoroughness and accuracy, and approve or return investigations for more work.
Manage a small caseload and cover investigations when staff are on leave.
Set expectations for staff performance, complete evaluations, and take corrective or disciplinary action when needed.
Assign and audit casework to keep it distributed fairly and moving on schedule.
Hold monthly one-on-one meetings, case staffing sessions, and unit meetings.
Coordinate with law enforcement, courts, tribal governments, and community agencies on shared cases.
Participate in hiring, including interviews, reference checks, and hiring recommendations.
Testify in judicial or administrative hearings related to APS cases.
Respond to client and constituent concerns, and report critical incidents through the proper channels.
Review reports and data to track the unit's workload and progress.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
Investigative knowledge: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the state laws and policies governing adult protective services.
Leadership: Directs a team through complex casework and maintains consistent professional standards.
Coaching: Develops staff capabilities through structured training and constructive feedback.
Communication: Builds strong working relationships with staff, courts, law enforcement, and community partners to coordinate services.
Trusted professional judgment: Makes sound, independent decisions and resolves staffing or case concerns as they arise.
Planning: Organizes staff schedules and workload to maintain case progress.
Adaptability: Works effectively across home visits, care facilities, and office settings.
Equity commitment: Recognizes and responds to the diverse backgrounds, needs, and circumstances of the vulnerable adults served, and promotes fair, respectful treatment across the unit.
Who should apply? Professionals that meet one of the following criteria:
One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
OR
Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
OR
Four years of experience as Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A master's degree* in Social Services, 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 Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice or an allied field and five years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
Nine years of paid professional/practical social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
*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.
Worksite address
olympia, WA, 98502, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.