Senior APS Team Lead: Protective Services & Investigations

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

ORCA card for transportation

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Federal Way seeks a Social Service Specialist 5 to supervise Adult Protective Services. You will lead a team investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, ensuring compliant, timely responses under RCW 74.34 and related policies.

Role includes coaching staff, hiring decisions, case consultations, and collaborations with law enforcement and tribal partners, with a focus on safety and protections.

Qualifications

• Leadership: guide, coach and hold staff accountable.
• Policy knowledge: apply laws, rules and procedures to cases.
• Critical thinking: review investigations and determine next steps.
• Emotional intelligence: de-escalate, navigate conflict with care.
• Communication: explain expectations and provide clear feedback.
• Decision-making: assess complex situations and weigh risks.
• Collaboration: work with internal/external partners.
• Technology: comfortable with standard systems and learning new tools.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialist staff and manage hiring, training, evaluation and discipline.
• Lead unit operations with regular meetings and fair workload distribution.
• Provide policy guidance and training on laws and procedures.
• Review investigations and approve cases for the Investigation Review Team.
• Prepare reports to monitor trends and ensure timely, accurate work.
• Communicate updates and changes to staff.
• Coordinate with partners and address concerns, escalating major incidents.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter and participate in staffings and outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Policy knowledge

Critical thinking

Emotional intelligence

Communication

Decision-making

Collaboration

Technology

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Combination of higher education and paid experience

Tools

CARE

ACES Online

Barcode

payment/service authorization systems

Job description

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Federal Way seeks a Social Service Specialist 5 to supervise Adult Protective Services. You will lead a team investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, ensuring compliant, timely responses under RCW 74.34 and related policies.

Role includes coaching staff, hiring decisions, case consultations, and collaborations with law enforcement and tribal partners, with a focus on safety and protections.