Posting number: 2026-06058
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHA
Job classification: INVESTIGATOR 4
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Investigative
The Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital, the Civil Center of Excellence, has an opportunity for a Patient Rights and Grievances Investigator 4 to join its team of professionals in Lakewood, WA. This position reports directly to the Civil Center Director.
The Patient Rights and Grievances Investigator completes highly specialized investigations related to alleged patient right violations and patient grievances. These investigations have the potential for political implications, litigation and for media attention. This investigator 4 position directs the patient rights investigation program, which entails planning, developing and implementation of inquiries and resulting investigative reports. You will work with both internal and external stakeholders as the subject matter expert for all Western State Hospital patient rights and grievances.
We are looking for a team-member who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can provide expert guidance and consultation to top-level managers, agency investigative teams, legal counsel and public and private entities. These investigations are the most visible, often high profile, with potential of political implications, litigation and media attention. You will be responsible for developing curriculum, training programs and intranet site materials related to investigation processes.
Join us today, apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!
Note: Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Here's some of what you'll be doing:
What we're looking for:
Who should apply?
Professionals with four years of experience as an Investigator within State services, at least one year of which must have been as a supervisor
or
Six years of experience as an Investigator with a criminal justice government agency, private organization, or other directly allied field, four years must include field experience.
or
College-level course-work with major emphasis in business administration, public administration, law, one of the criminal justice disciplines, or directly allied field may be substituted for the required experience based on two years of college work for one year of experience.
or
Equivalent education/experience.
Interested?
Please provide a current resume and three professional references with current contact information along with your online application.
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 about 06058? Contact the recruiter, Chris Pulley by email at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov, and reference 06058 in the subject.
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.
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With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.
