Dshs Altsa Social Service Specialist 5 - APS Supervisor

DSHS ALTSA Social Service Specialist 5 - APS Supervisor

Within the Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) Adult Protective Services (APS) provides protective services to vulnerable adults who meet the target population in accordance with RCW 74.34, WAC and Chapter 6 of the Long Term Care Manual.  We are looking for a strong leader who is motivated to train new APS Investigators who come into the department as a Social Service Specialist 1 or 2.  This job is located in Union Gap, WA.

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.

This role functions independently as a first-line supervisor of a unit of Social Service Specialists. This supervisor will focus on building a strong foundation for each of the in-training investigators in their team.  They will train new investigators on each step of the investigative work they are assigned and then assign, prioritize, audit, and review work assignments on an on-going basis, providing clear and consistent consultation and direction in the handling of cases to ensure maximum service to clients.

This supervisor will hire and train new investigators, evaluate their performance, identify coaching and training needs, and initiate corrective or disciplinary action if needed. They will conduct monthly unit meetings, ensure their team understands and follows the APS policies and procedures, and provide support, coaching, and training regularly through one-to-one and group training and staffing sessions.

This is a challenging and fulfilling position, allowing the incumbent to use their investigative expertise to coach, mentor, and support new investigators along their path to becoming independent, skilled APS professionals!

Join us today in our mission to Transform Lives!

Some of what you'll be doing:

• Independently supervise a unit of Social Service Specialist professionals who investigate reports of abuse, abandonment, neglect, financial exploitation, exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults, and offer and provides protective services to vulnerable adults.

• Recruit, hire, and train, new staff.

• Set expectations for job performance as well as monitor and evaluate staff performance and adherence to applicable laws, policies, and procedures governing their job assignments and takes corrective action and complete disciplinary actions.

•  Conduct regular staff unit and individual meetings.

• Facilitate, lead, and participate in unit meetings, case staffing sessions, and multi-disciplinary team meetings.

• Assign and monitor work for equitable and appropriate work distribution for each individual and within the unit.

• Evaluate training needs of staff and provide coaching, training, and support to each team member as appropriate.

• Provide direction in the areas of time management, organization, and case planning.

• Train and provide clarification to staff in current policy and procedures, long-term care manual, WAC, and Management Bulletins

What we're looking for:

• Investigative experience and in-depth knowledge of laws, policies and directives governing services to vulnerable adults within the State of Washington.

• Ability to establish relationships and effectively collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with peers, clients, constituents, community partners, outside agencies, other members of the community, and internal and external partners, regarding the requirements and services available pertaining to APS.

• Must be able to successfully perform the essential functions as described in the PDF and perform the physical requirements of this position such as traveling and lifting, moving, and transferring equipment (such as a laptop, files, manuals, etc.)

• Ability to identify and evaluate social dynamics affecting client choice and decision making.

• Prior experience or demonstrated ability to supervise multiple staff and maintain the organizational structure.

• Ability to independently assess situations and utilize professional independent judgment.

Who should apply?

Professionals with one year experience as a Social Service Specialist 4

OR

Two years as a Social Service Specialist 3

OR

Four years as a Social Service Specialist 2

OR

Master's degree in criminal justice, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and 4 years of paid social service experience

OR

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and 6 years of paid social service experience

NOTE: A two-year Master's degree in the indicated fields that included a practicum may substitute for 1 year of paid social service experience.

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your completed online application:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Three professional references with updated contact information

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission that you bring 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.

Questions?  Please contact alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference 05025.

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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