DSHS Adult Protective Social Service Specialist 3 Join us today to 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 Aging and Long-Term Support 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 position is teleworking with the expectation to come into the Lacey headquarters office when 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 you'll 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 we're looking for: * Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies * Understanding of Long-Term Care programs and policy * Strong critical thinking skills * 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 Who should apply: A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2 or Master's degree with a completed practicum. Or, Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and three years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. Or, One year as a Social Service Specialist 2  Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 6 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement. Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.   NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment. Interested? Please Include: * Resume * Letter of Interest * Three professional references with current contact information  Questions? Contact the Recruiter at morgan.daggi@dshs.wa.gov and reference 13692, to learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.  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.  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