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SeattlePHI Job Analysis
💡 Smart Summary
Position Overview
The DSHS HCLA APS Social Service Specialist 5 supervises a team conducting investigations and providing protective services for vulnerable adults under Adult Protective Services, ensuring compliance with laws and policies while fostering staff development and collaboration with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and manage a team of Social Service Specialists conducting investigations into abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect cases.
- Provide policy guidance, training, and review investigations for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with relevant laws and codes.
- Lead unit operations through regular meetings and ensure equitable workload distribution.
- Prepare and analyze reports to monitor trends and support timely, accurate work processes.
- Coordinate with internal and external partners including law enforcement and tribal governments on protective services matters.
- Serve as a mandatory reporter and potentially testify in judicial proceedings.
Required Skills
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Qualifications
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with at least 5 years of experience in social services, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of child welfare and adult protective services protocols. They possess excellent communication and critical thinking abilities, complemented by proficiency in DSHS systems and Microsoft Office Suite, making them well-suited for supervisory roles within DSHS HCLA.
Interview Preparation
Application Tips
- Highlight your experience leading teams in complex investigations and managing case loads, emphasizing successful outcomes and improvements in processes.
- Quantify your achievements with specific metrics, such as reducing investigation turnaround times or improving compliance rates.
- Include keywords like 'supervision', 'policy guidance', 'investigative oversight', 'DSHS Systems', and 'data analysis' consistently throughout your resume and cover letter.
- Customize your resume to showcase your leadership roles and technical competencies specific to DSHS systems and relevant government protocols.
- In your cover letter, emphasize your alignment with DSHS mission statements and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute effectively to their goals.
Career Path
This position can lead to advanced supervisory roles such as Social Services Supervisor within DSHS, specialized roles like Program Manager in Adult Protective Services, or even higher-level managerial positions like Director of Protective Services within the department, potentially extending into executive leadership roles within state government agencies.
Original Job Description
Description
DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Services Supervisor (Social Service Specialist 5)
Join the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) as a Social Service Specialist 5 in Renton and help ensure high-quality investigations and protective services within Adult Protective Services (APS). In 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 investigate reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, and self-neglect. Your oversight ensures 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 Washington’s long-term services and supports system remain strong, equitable, and responsive.
Some of what you'll 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 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 General’s Office, law enforcement, and tribal governments—and 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.
Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:
- 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 master’s 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 bachelor’s 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.
**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.
Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:
- 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.
Additional Information:
- 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.
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- A cover letter
- Three professional references with contact information
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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #03263.
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.
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