Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06588

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: WMS BAND 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Records Management

We have an exciting opportunity for a Records Management Specialist to join our Compliance team at Eastern State Hospital. This is an ideal role for an expert who wants a unique opportunity to shape programs that directly impact government transparency in a public healthcare setting. You will thrive by building and bolstering existing electronic and paper records systems, becoming a recognized leader among our records team. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Medical Lake, WA.

This opportunity offers a rare chance to sit at the intersection of public disclosure, records management, discovery, and privacy. You will have the clinical and administrative backing to build an electronic records program from the ground up, interfacing regularly with hospital leadership, agency subdivisions, and external legal entities.

Some of what you'll do

• Independently navigate, research, and respond to complex public records requests, subpoenas, and discovery orders.
• Oversee inactive, non-patient paper records by determining retention schedules, tracking disposition, and coordinating transfers to the State Records Center or Archives.
• Develop a cohesive, centralized staff resource and compliance guide for both paper and electronic records management.
• Utilize specialized software (Office 365, cell phones, social media) to coordinate electronic record searches and establish search terms.
• Educate and consult with hospital staff and executive leadership regarding legal compliance, retention, and storage methods.
• Directly supervise and review the work of a Forms and Records Analyst 2 (FRA2), including verifying the redaction of responsive records.

What we're looking for

• Deep experience in records management and deadline-driven records request processing.
• Expert-level understanding of the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and records retention laws (RCW 40.14).
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and professional judgment regarding highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• The ability to communicate effectively and manage multiple competing priorities in a high-volume, psychiatric hospital environment.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with a master’s degree in records management, law, information technology, public administration, or a closely related field AND 1 year of experience in public records or paralegal research.
• Or, a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a closely related field AND 3 years of experience working in public records.
• A paralegal certification or a public records certification (such as from the Washington Association of Public Records Officers) is preferred.

Questions?
Please contact the recruiter at Jourdan.Kovacs@dshs.wa.gov and reference position number 06588.

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 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(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader) Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
DSHS Security Guard description imageE-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security