DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Services Supervisor

DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Services Supervisor (Social Service Specialist 5)
Join theHome and Community Living Administration(HCLA) as a Social Service Specialist 5 in Lacey WA and help ensure high-quality investigations and protective services withinAdult Protective Services(APS) centralized intake this role your work directly supports the safety dignity and well-being of vulnerable adults when it matters most.

As a front-line supervisor you will lead and support a team of Social Service Specialists who process reports and investigate allegations of abuse neglect abandonment exploitation and self-neglect. Your oversight ensures the timely processing of reports and that investigations are thorough timely and aligned with applicable laws and policies including RCW 74.34 the Washington Administrative Code and the Long-Term Care Manual. Your leadership helps ensure responses are appropriate and proportionate to the level of risk in each situation.

In this role you will assign and review work provide case consultation coach and develop staff and make hiring and performance decisions. Your leadership strengthens Adult Protective Services mission to partner with individuals to access the support care and protection they need while helping Washingtons long-term services and supports system remain strong equitable and responsive.

Some of what youll do:

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialist staff providing direction setting performance expectations and managing hiring training evaluation and corrective or disciplinary action.
• Lead unit operations by conducting regular team and one-on-one meetings facilitating case staffings and multidisciplinary team meetings and ensuring equitable workload distribution.
• Provide policy guidance training and clarification on laws WACs procedures and program requirements offering ongoing feedback and support for staff development.
• Review intakes investigations and case documentation for completeness accuracy quality and compliance and review and approve cases submitted to the Investigation Review Team (IRT).
• Prepare and analyze reports to monitor trends distribute workload correct errors and support timely accurate work across the unit.
• Communicate policy and procedure updates management bulletins and program changes ensuring staff remain informed and aligned with current requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners; including other government departments the Attorney Generals Office law enforcement and tribal governmentsand address any concerns escalating major incidents as appropriate.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter participate in and lead case staffings provide testimony in administrative or judicial proceedings and contribute to outreach efforts committees and special projects.
  

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.

• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.

• Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.

• A masters degree** in social services human services behavioral sciences criminal justice or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience* equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.

• A bachelors degree in social services human services behavioral sciences criminal justice or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience* performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

• A combination of higher education ( in social services human services behavioral sciences criminal justice or a related field) and paid social service experience totaling at least nine years.

• Leadership: The ability to guide support and coach staff while setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Policy knowledge: The ability to understand and apply laws rules and procedures to real-life situations.
• Critical thinking: The ability to review investigations spot issues and help staff determine next steps.
• Emotional intelligence: The ability to navigate conflict de-escalate tense situations and have difficult conversations with care.
• Communication: The ability to explain expectations give feedback and share information clearly in writing and conversation.
• Decision-making ability: The skill to assess complex situations weigh risk and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with partners inside and outside the agency.
• Technology: Comfort using standard computer systems and learning new tools and software as needed. DSHS systems such as; CARE ACES Online Barcode payment/service authorization systems.

• Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
• 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.

• An updated resume
• A 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 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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