Workplace Investigator job at State of Washington in WA

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: Stro

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