DSHS ALTSA Adult Protective Services Lead
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Salary: $5,783.00 - $7,779.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01029
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ALTSA
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ALTSA Adult Protective Services Lead / Social Service Specialist 4
The is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Adult Protective Services Lead to join our team. This is an ideal opportunity for advancement for a Social Service professional with excellent, effective investigative skills and comprehensive case assessment experience.
You will lead a team of Social Service Specialists that will complete intakes and perform case management of Adult Protective Services investigations of abuse, abandonment, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
This role will utilize a hybrid structure of telework and in-person as business needs require. The selected candidate may be based in either the Vancouver or Kelso office and will provide support to both locations.
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 will do:
Who should apply?
Applicants who meet one of the following qualifications:
Additional notes:
What we're looking for:
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at and reference job number #01029.
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?
02
This position follows a hybrid work schedule, combining telework with in-person work based on business needs. The selected candidate may be based in either the Vancouver or Kelso office and will provide support to both locations. Do you acknowledge and agree to these work requirements?
03
Please list the job titles of the jobs in your application in which you performed duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2 or higher job class.
04
Please list the job titles of the jobs in your application in which you gained experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults.
05
Do you have at least 3 years of experience with conducting effective investigations?
Required Question
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01029
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ALTSA
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: 2/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ALTSA Adult Protective Services Lead / Social Service Specialist 4
The is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Adult Protective Services Lead to join our team. This is an ideal opportunity for advancement for a Social Service professional with excellent, effective investigative skills and comprehensive case assessment experience.
You will lead a team of Social Service Specialists that will complete intakes and perform case management of Adult Protective Services investigations of abuse, abandonment, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
This role will utilize a hybrid structure of telework and in-person as business needs require. The selected candidate may be based in either the Vancouver or Kelso office and will provide support to both locations.
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 will do:
- Provide on the job mentoring, feedback, coaching and consultation to all levels of staff who complete intakes and conduct investigations in the community and in licensed and/or certified settings
- Provide guidance on case actions, assessment and intervention techniques, appropriate resources, and caseload/time management; identify training needs
- Assign and audit work, triage intake reports, detect error tends, identify training needs, and review case actions for accuracy and provide feedback
- Complete intakes and perform advanced case management with complex investigations
- Respond to difficult and high-profile intakes and investigations involving vulnerable adults
- In the absence of the supervisor, attend meetings and provide supervisory coverage
- Provide coverage of assigned caseloads in the absence of a Social Service Specialist
- Serve as intake and investigative lead for the most complex cases by conducting face-to-face interviews with victims and perpetrators, in high-risk, volatile situations, including interviewing alleged perpetrators, training, monitoring, and conducting quality assurance on publicly exposed crisis cases
- Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
- Reviews, compiles, analyzes and submits reports as requested by management
- Prepares written and oral reports, documentation, inter/intra-agency communications regarding program areas
- Travel throughout outlying counties, region, and state
- Perform other duties as assigned
Who should apply?
Applicants who meet one of the following qualifications:
- One year of experience as a
- Three years of experience as a
- A Bachelor's degree or higher in social services, criminal law/justice, or a related field AND four years of experience as a
- A Master's degree in social services, criminal law/justice, or a related field AND two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a
Additional notes:
- A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience
- Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment
What we're looking for:
- A passion for investigative tools and methods - confident enough to mentor others to become effective investigators
- Three years of paid experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults
- Ability to identify and evaluate social dynamics affecting client choice and decision making
- Ability to work independently to complete investigations and assessments in the homes and residences of individuals
- Strong organizational skills to prioritize caseloads and meet time
- Understanding and ability to apply medical terminology specifically related to aging and long term clients
- Ability to evaluate crises and or complex case issues
- Excellent verbal and communication skills
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at and reference job number #01029.
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 3.
- I have three years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Bachelor's degree or higher in social services, criminal law/justice, or a related field AND four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Master's degree in social services, criminal law/justice, or a related field AND two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I do not meet the qualifications listed above.
02
This position follows a hybrid work schedule, combining telework with in-person work based on business needs. The selected candidate may be based in either the Vancouver or Kelso office and will provide support to both locations. Do you acknowledge and agree to these work requirements?
- Yes
- No
03
Please list the job titles of the jobs in your application in which you performed duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2 or higher job class.
04
Please list the job titles of the jobs in your application in which you gained experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable adults.
05
Do you have at least 3 years of experience with conducting effective investigations?
- Yes
- No
Required Question