DSHS DDA Fircrest Investigator 3

We are hiring an Investigator 3 to join the Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center in Shoreline, 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 lead worker for two Investigator 2s, you will oversee case quality while also handling complex investigations yourself. You will collaborate with internal leadership, 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, and collective bargaining agreements.

About Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center

Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center, located in Shoreline just north of Seattle, provides residential support to approximately 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1959, Fircrest has evolved from a medical model to a person-centered approach that focuses on promoting independence and community integration. The center offers specialized nursing care and habilitative services funded in part by programs regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Fircrest’s location provides residents access to major medical and educational facilities, as well as opportunities to engage in a variety of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities in the Seattle area.

Some of what you'll do:

• Lead and manage the full investigative process for administrative personnel and client-related cases, 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 CBAs, RCWs, 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.
• Serve as a lead worker for Investigator 2 staff, providing guidance, coaching, and feedback to ensure high-quality, neutral, and timely investigations.
• Represent Fircrest RHC 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.
• 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:

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. 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. 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 Talent Acquisition Specialist Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07221.

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.

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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