DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Intake Specialist

DSHS HCLA - Adult Protective Service Intake Specialist (Social Services Specialist 3)

Join us today and be part of our hard-working team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations. Adult Protective Services (APS) is seeking a Social Service Intake Specialist to join our team in Lacey WA.

As part of a statewide APS Intake Unit located in Home and Community Living Administration Headquarters in Lacey you will receive allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment abuse financial exploitation neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.

This role a near fulltime remote (teleworking) with the duty station as -person travel may be required for in-person meetings business needs trainings and as needed.

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 youll be doing:

• Receive reports of allegations from community members and professionals related to abandonment abuse financial exploitation neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults
• Receives collects analyzes and evaluates information creates reports conducts data entry input processes and screens information makes referrals and independently assigns 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 to protect vulnerable adults
• Answer live calls receive collect screen process and input data into automated systems research and complete and assign reports (i.e. 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 the needs of clients served
• Identify situations presenting a risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refer to the appropriate agency
• Educate vulnerable adults the community and professionals about appropriate services as provided by rules and regulations policy guidelines and client consent

What were 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 with the 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

• Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2 and completion of the agencys Social Service Specialist training program.

• A Masters 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.

• A Bachelors 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.

• 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

• An updated resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references with contact 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 applicants 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 drivers 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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.



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