DSHS YVS Investigator 3

DSHS YVS Investigator 3 We are hiring an Investigator 3 to join Yakima Valley School in Selah, Washington. In this critical role, you will lead and conduct personnel misconduct investigations, ensuring they are thorough, unbiased, and completed within strict timelines. Serving as the Investigator 3, you will complete complex investigations , collaborate with internal leadership, Human Resources, union representatives, and outside agencies, including the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement to support a safe, respectful, and compliant workplace. Your work will play a vital role in fostering a positive and productive environment for both staff and clients, upholding ethical standards, and ensuring adherence to state laws, agency policies, federal guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements.

About Yakima Valley School Yakima Valley School is a certified nursing facility providing 24/7 care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or a dual-diagnosis of developmental disability and mental illness. Located in Selah, Washington, Yakima Valley School is certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Yakima Valley School is known for its beautiful grounds and its clinical and therapeutic programs, which includes respite services. All services are individualized and designed to maximize residents’ independence. Residents live in cottages, which have bedrooms and living rooms with specially designed amenities. The Administration Building includes the administrative office, kitchen and laundry departments, an apartment for families who visit their loved one, and an indoor hub for resident activities. <span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;"> </span>

Some of what you'll do:• Complete the full investigative process, from notifications and interviews to final reporting and document retention.

• Conduct complex, sensitive investigations requiring discretion, confidentiality, and collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies.
• Interview complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others – often in sensitive or high-stress situations – while ensuring compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements, Revised Code of Washington (laws), policies, and procedures.
• Prepare thorough, objective, and timely investigative reports, including redactions as required, and review Special Investigation Unit (SIU) cases for quality and compliance.
• Represent Yakima Valley School in legal proceedings, appeals, and statewide workgroups, and serve as a subject matter expert for incident management policies.
• Analyze incidents for facility-wide impacts, recommend corrective actions, maintain investigative archives, and provide training to supervisors.

What we're looking for:• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex investigative and client care issues clearly.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability manage and prioritize work to meet strict timelines
• Ability to manage multiple complex assignments independently while maintaining high ethical and professional standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and earn trust during investigations to gather accurate information and responses.
• Knowledge of DSHS/DDA investigation practices, related laws and policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Understanding of Just Cause principles, Garrity rights, and Weingarten rights.
• Skilled in writing accurate, well-structured reports and de-escalating conflict in high-stress situations.
• Sound judgment and professionalism in diverse workplace and public interactions.
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours in a 24-hour facility environment; completion of DSHS-approved Investigation Training (may be obtained after hire).

Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:• Two years of experience as an Investigator 2 OR

• Five years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice government agency, private organization, or other directly related field, including three years of field experience

Note: Two years of related college-level coursework may be substituted for one year of experience.

Additional information:• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

• This position is 100% on-site.
• Duties performed on-site at this work location will receive an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include:• An updated resume

• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at [email protected] and reference job number #06946.

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.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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