Entry Level Contract Investigator Jobs
New grad contract investigator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like Island Peer Review Organization, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and University of Alabama hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 49+ Entry Level Contract Investigator jobs
Description
DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Service Investigator - Social Services Specialist 3
Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Colville, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.
We're looking for strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. In this role, your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and connect individuals with services that support their safety and dignity will be key to your success.
Some of what you'll be doing:
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts
- Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes
- Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record electronically using computer software application systems
- Collaborate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs
- Identify and refer at-risk and vulnerable adults to appropriate service groups
- Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention
- Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
Desired knowledge, skills, & abilities:
- Proven ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, practical solutions
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and effective documentation practices
- Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
- Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities
- Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions, including in urgent safety-related situations
- Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children is highly desirable
Who should apply?
- Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2, and completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.
OR
- A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 2 or equivalent paid social service experience.
OR
- A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to 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.
A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Additional information:
- These positions require travel to meet business needs
- A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period
- Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment
- 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.
Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you’ll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 09359.
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.
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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DSHS HCLA Adult Protective Service Investigator - Social Services Specialist 3
Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Colville, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.
We're looking for strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. In this role, your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and connect individuals with services that support their safety and dignity will be key to your success.
Some of what you'll be doing:
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts
- Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes
- Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record electronically using computer software application systems
- Collaborate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs
- Identify and refer at-risk and vulnerable adults to appropriate service groups
- Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention
- Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
Desired knowledge, skills, & abilities:
- Proven ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, practical solutions
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and effective documentation practices
- Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
- Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities
- Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions, including in urgent safety-related situations
- Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children is highly desirable
Who should apply?
- Professionals with one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2, and completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.
OR
- A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 2 or equivalent paid social service experience.
OR
- A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to 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.
A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Additional information:
- These positions require travel to meet business needs
- A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period
- Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment
- 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.
Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you’ll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 09359.
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.
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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services13
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- Government & Public Sector8
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Entry Level Contract Investigator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level contract investigator job?
Focus on building a foundation in research, documentation, and attention to detail. Employers at this level look for candidates with coursework in criminal justice, law, or a related field, plus any internship, volunteer, or fieldwork experience involving fact-finding or case documentation. Certifications in interviewing techniques or background screening can give a junior candidate a clear edge over other applicants.
Which companies hire entry level contract investigators?
Companies hiring entry level contract investigators right now include Island Peer Review Organization, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and University of Alabama, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from investigation firms, insurance carriers, government contractors, and corporate compliance teams that actively develop junior talent through structured training programs.
Are there remote entry level contract investigator jobs?
Yes, though most roles require some fieldwork. About 43% of entry level contract investigator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, typically covering desk-based tasks like records review, report writing, and preliminary research. Fully on-site positions remain common because investigations often require in-person interviews and physical surveillance.
Are these new grad contract investigator jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad and junior roles that welcome candidates with little or no professional experience. A posting is new-grad friendly when it lists zero to two years of experience as sufficient, accepts internships or academic projects in place of full-time work, or explicitly invites recent graduates and career changers to apply alongside a portfolio of relevant coursework or fieldwork.
Which industries hire the most entry level contract investigators?
Entry Level contract investigator roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they handle high volumes of claims, compliance reviews, or background checks that are well suited to entry level investigators working under senior supervision.