Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08489

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: INVESTIGATOR 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Investigative

Summary

The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration is seeking a dedicated Investigator 2 to join the Western State Hospital Civil Center’s Patient Rights & Grievances department in Lakewood, WA. This critical role ensures the protection of patient rights by conducting thorough investigations into grievances, abuse, and neglect allegations, supporting compliance with state and federal regulations.

With over 200 patients across 12 wards, the department handles a significant number of grievances that require timely acknowledgment and resolution. As the primary investigator, you will play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable patients, ensuring compliance, and supporting the hospital's commitment to high-quality care. If you have a strong background in investigations, risk management, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, this is an excellent opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact.

About Western State Hospital

Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

See why others like you join DSHS

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Join our team today—apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!

Some of what you'll do:

• Independently investigate patient grievances, abuse/neglect allegations, and policy violations while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
• Gather, preserve, and analyze evidence, including statements, incident reports, security reports, and medical records, to determine investigative findings.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with grievants, respondents, subjects, and witnesses to obtain relevant information.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple sources to support investigations and provide quality reviews of reports.
• Monitor and respond to the Civil Center Abuse and Neglect Hotline, assist with grievance documentation, and ensure timely resolution per policy.
• Support the Grievance Investigation Supervisor, review investigations conducted by supervisors, assist with employee training, and provide administrative backup as needed.

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of investigative practices, state and federal laws on patient abuse and vulnerable adult protection, (Ex: Just Cause Principles, Garrity, and Weingarten rights).
• Ability to gather, preserve, and interpret evidence, apply investigative methods, and ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports, present findings effectively, and speak before groups with confidence.
• Skilled in de-escalating high-emotion situations, conducting interviews with sensitivity, and working collaboratively with diverse individuals and teams.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence, chain of custody, court procedures, laws of arrest, search and seizure, and Miranda rights.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, securing cooperation across departments, and providing training and guidance on investigative processes.

Who should apply?

Professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• One year of experience as an Investigator 1.

Or,

• Three years of investigative experience in a criminal justice government agency, private organization, or other directly related field.

Note: Two years of related college-level coursework may substitute for experience.

Additional information:

• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

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.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Chris Pulley by email at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08489 as the subject.

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.

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