APS Supervisor: Lead Investigations & Team Development

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Assignment pay (10%)

Job summary

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) seeks an APS Supervisor to lead a unit of Social Service Specialists in investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. You will train staff, assign and audit casework, and ensure compliance with laws and agency policy.

You will also manage daily operations, participate in hiring, and coordinate with law enforcement and courts to support clients while maintaining high service quality and timely responses.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of state laws and policies governing adult protective services.
• Directs a team through complex casework and maintains consistent professional standards.
• Develops staff capabilities through structured training and constructive feedback.
• Communication builds relationships with courts, law enforcement and community partners.
• Trusted professional judgment makes independent decisions and resolves concerns as they arise.
• Planning organizes staff schedules and workload to maintain case progress.
• Adaptability works across home visits, care facilities, and office settings.
• Equity commitment promotes fair and respectful treatment for all clients.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialists who investigate abuse, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• Train new and current staff on investigation steps and agency policy, long-term care manual, WAC, and bulletins.
• Review case files for thoroughness and accuracy; approve or return investigations for more work.
• Manage a small caseload and cover investigations when staff are on leave.
• Set expectations for staff performance, complete evaluations, and take corrective action when needed.
• Assign and audit casework to keep it distributed fairly and moving on schedule.
• Hold monthly one-on-one meetings, case staffing sessions, and unit meetings.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, courts, tribal governments, and community agencies on shared cases.
• Participate in hiring, including interviews and reference checks.
• Testify in hearings related to APS cases.
• Respond to client and constituent concerns and report critical incidents through proper channels.
• Review reports and data to track the unit's workload and progress.

Skills

Investigative knowledge

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Trusted professional judgment

Planning

Adaptability

Equity commitment

Education

Master's degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice or allied field with 1 year of paid social service experience equivalent to SS Specialist 2

Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Law/Justice or allied field with 5 years paid social service experience equivalent to SS Specialist 2

Job description

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) seeks an APS Supervisor to lead a unit of Social Service Specialists in investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. You will train staff, assign and audit casework, and ensure compliance with laws and agency policy.

You will also manage daily operations, participate in hiring, and coordinate with law enforcement and courts to support clients while maintaining high service quality and timely responses.