Workplace Investigator

Title: Workplace Investigator (WMS 1) Statewide

Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

State-wide placement available (Hybrid work options). This position is approved for partial telework and may have a formal workstation in any region. This position requires statewide travel with an occasional overnight stay.

Salary: 

$68,976.00 - $95,184.00 Annually

 

Flexible/Hybrid

 

Full Time - Permanent

Job Description:

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:

This Investigator works as part of a team of eight highly competent professionals conducting administrative investigations throughout all divisions of DCYF.  This position is responsible for conducting complex workplace investigations relating to sensitive and controversial situations with serious misconduct ranging from line staff to administrator level. This is a statewide position, and investigations assigned may be in any part of the enterprise. The position will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the employee investigation processes as well as field work conducted by DCYF staff. This position assesses and identifies areas of risk regarding employee misconduct and makes recommendations to leadership and respective appointing authorities regarding those risks. The position may be required to work with additional entities such as, Human Rights Commission, Auditor's Office, Office of the Ombuds, local Law Enforcement agencies and other internal and external departments as necessary. If you are inquisitive, possess excellent writing skills, and have subject matter expertise in the operations of DCYF services, this opportunity may be exactly what you are looking for!

Some of what you will get to do:

• Independently conducts fair, thorough and timely investigations on allegations of employee misconduct and alleged harassment/discrimination. 
• Uses effective communication techniques, skillfully interviews complainants, alleged subjects and other witnesses to obtain their statements. Collects, preserves, and objectively analyzes information from multiple sources related to an investigation.
• Prepares well-written, accurate, and complete investigative reports to provide appointing authorities with information to make decisions concerning the validity and disposition of investigations.
• Evaluates and make recommendations for improvements in the areas of employee investigations and risk mitigation.
• Conducts expert-level acquisition, preservation, and analysis of confidential and/or sensitive data that is gleaned through IT searches of internet; email; software and systems use; and other information from servers, computer hard drives, and other media using specialized hardware and software tools, and advanced knowledge of PC and server operating systems. Analysis of recovered data is compiled into detailed reports.
• Coordinates training needs of managers and supervisors within DCYF related to employee misconduct and coaching/counseling strategies for staff. 
•  

Required Qualifications:

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience conducting complex workplace investigations, preferably in a government or regulated environment. This includes drafting fact-based, legally defensible investigation reports with findings and recommendations, and handling allegations of serious misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other policy violations.

OR

• Bachelor's Degree in social science, public administration/policy or an allied field AND Five years of progressively responsible experience conducting complex investigations, preferably in a government or regulated environment. This includes drafting fact-based, legally defensible investigation reports with findings and recommendations, and handling allegations of serious misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other policy violations.

AND

• Investigative & Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex situations, synthesize information, and make objective, well-reasoned determinations based on evidence. 
• Legal & Policy Acumen: Strong understanding of employment laws, agency policies, and investigative best practices. 
• Interviewing & Interpersonal Skills: Skilled in non-confrontational interviewing techniques, ensuring confidentiality and fairness in sensitive situations. 
• Ethical & Professional Integrity: Maintains neutrality, discretion, and adherence to ethical and professional investigative standards.
• Communication & Report Writing: Ability to clearly and concisely document findings in written reports and communicate effectively with all levels of leadership. 
• Conflict Resolution & Risk Management: Strong ability to assess workplace risks, advise on corrective actions, and work with leadership to prevent recurring issues. 
• Adaptability & Travel: Willingness to travel statewide as needed, sometimes on short notice, to conduct in-person investigations.

In addition to the requirements above, our ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following:

• Ability to communicate complex concepts, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable, accurate, and appropriate for the audience. Demonstrate crucial conversation skills.
• Have working knowledge of WACs, RCWs, Federal Laws, Title VII, Program policies and procedures, and CBAs.
• Knowledge of Just Cause principles, Garrity and Weingarten rights.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to deescalate conflict in highly emotional situations.
• Ability to be fair and objective.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently with the highest level of ethical integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks (phone calls, correspondence, case analysis, interruptions, etc.) simultaneously.
• Ability to comply with departmental policies and work expectations.
• Ability to remain professional in all situations including highly sensitive and controversial situations.
• Ability to understand software, hardware, databases, and electronic analysis related to the position.

How do I apply? 

Complete your applicant profile on careers.wa.gov and attach the following documents:

• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Letter of Interest

Supplemental Information: 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.  If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license. 

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Steven Loduha (Talent Acquisition Manager) at steven.loduha@dcyf.wa.gov

If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).  If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. 

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.