DSHS ALTSA Social Service Specialist 5
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary : $6,227.00 - $8,377.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00785
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ALTSA
Opening Date: 02/04/2025
Closing Date: 2/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ALTSA Social Service Specialist 5 - APS Supervisor
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), (ALTSA), (APS) provides protective services to vulnerable adults in accordance with , and of the Long-Term Care Manual. We are seeking a strong and motivated leader to serve as an APS Supervisor, responsible for training and guiding new APS Investigators as they join our department. This is a temporary opportunity based in Tacoma, WA.
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.
This role also involves hiring, training, and evaluating new investigators while identifying coaching and development needs. You will conduct monthly unit meetings, reinforce APS policies and procedures, and provide continuous support through one-on-one and group training sessions. If necessary, you will initiate corrective or disciplinary action to maintain high professional standards.
This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity that allows you to apply your investigative expertise to mentor and support new investigators as they grow into independent, skilled APS professionals.
Join us today-apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!
Some of what you'll do:
What we're looking for:
Who should apply?
OR
OR
OR
OR
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.
Interested?
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your completed online application:
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00785.
The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including 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 in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/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, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position?
Required Question
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00785
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ALTSA
Opening Date: 02/04/2025
Closing Date: 2/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ALTSA Social Service Specialist 5 - APS Supervisor
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), (ALTSA), (APS) provides protective services to vulnerable adults in accordance with , and of the Long-Term Care Manual. We are seeking a strong and motivated leader to serve as an APS Supervisor, responsible for training and guiding new APS Investigators as they join our department. This is a temporary opportunity based in Tacoma, WA.
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.
This role also involves hiring, training, and evaluating new investigators while identifying coaching and development needs. You will conduct monthly unit meetings, reinforce APS policies and procedures, and provide continuous support through one-on-one and group training sessions. If necessary, you will initiate corrective or disciplinary action to maintain high professional standards.
This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity that allows you to apply your investigative expertise to mentor and support new investigators as they grow into independent, skilled APS professionals.
Join us today-apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!
Some of what you'll do:
- Independently supervise a unit of Social Service Specialist professionals who investigate reports of abuse, abandonment, neglect, financial exploitation, exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults, and offer and provides protective services to vulnerable adults.
- Recruit, hire, and train, new staff.
- Set expectations for job performance as well as monitor and evaluate staff performance and adherence to applicable laws, policies, and procedures governing their job assignments and takes corrective action and complete disciplinary actions.
- Conduct regular staff unit and individual meetings.
- Facilitate, lead, and participate in unit meetings, case staffing sessions, and multi-disciplinary team meetings.
- Assign and monitor work for equitable and appropriate work distribution for each individual and within the unit.
- Evaluate training needs of staff and provide coaching, training, and support to each team member as appropriate.
- Provide direction in the areas of time management, organization, and case planning.
- Train and provide clarification to staff in current policy and procedures, long-term care manual, WAC, and Management Bulletins
What we're looking for:
- Investigative experience and in-depth knowledge of laws, policies and directives governing services to vulnerable adults within the State of Washington.
- Ability to establish relationships and effectively collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with peers, clients, constituents, community partners, outside agencies, other members of the community, and internal and external partners, regarding the requirements and services available pertaining to APS.
- Must be able to successfully perform the essential functions as described in the PDF and perform the physical requirements of this position such as traveling and lifting, moving, and transferring equipment (such as a laptop, files, manuals, etc.)
- Ability to identify and evaluate social dynamics affecting client choice and decision making.
- Prior experience or demonstrated ability to supervise multiple staff and maintain the organizational structure.
- Ability to independently assess situations and utilize professional independent judgment.
Who should apply?
- Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
OR
- Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3 (formerly Social Worker 3).
OR
- Four years of experience as Social Service Specialist 2 (formerly Social Worker 2).
- A Master's degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice or an allied field and four years 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 six years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- Ten 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.
Interested?
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your completed online application:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three professional references with updated contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00785.
The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including 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 in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/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, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position?
- I have one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
- I have two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3 (formerly Social Worker 3).
- I have four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2 (formerly Social Worker 2).
- I have a Master's degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice, or an allied field, and four years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice, or an allied field, and six years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have ten years of paid professional/practical social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I do not meet any of the above qualifications.
Required Question