DSHS OOS OFA Quality Research and Development Manager

Full Job Description

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA) is seeking a Quality Research and Development Manager to join our headquarters leadership team in Olympia, Washington.

This role provides advanced-level program leadership and serves as the agency’s subject matter expert on policy development, research, quality improvement, and data-driven program evaluation supporting statewide fraud investigation operations.

OFA is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud involving applicants, recipients, and vendors participating in Washington State public assistance programs.

The Governor has designated OFA as a State Law Enforcement Bureau (SLEB).

OFA partners with multiple agencies including other DSHS administrations, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), the Health Care Authority (HCA), and other public benefit programs.

In this role, you will partner closely with the Senior Director, Deputy Director, and Operations Chief to strengthen the operational framework of OFA and ensure investigations are supported by strong policies, data systems, and performance management tools.

The Quality Research and Development Manager leads the development of statewide policies, procedures, training programs, and evaluation systems that support accurate, effective fraud investigations.

The position also oversees research, data analysis, and program monitoring activities that inform strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.

Through collaboration with agency partners, program staff, and technology teams, this role ensures OFA operations align with state and federal laws while advancing high-quality investigative practices across Washington State.

This position allows you to work remotely but is a hybrid role. There will be times when you'll need to be physically present in the office.

Some of what you'll be doing:

Program Evaluation & Quality Improvement: You will design and implement statewide monitoring and evaluation systems that improve the quality and effectiveness of fraud investigations. This includes:

• Developing program evaluation frameworks and monitoring systems
• Conducting workload analysis and performance monitoring
• Identifying operational gaps and recommending corrective actions
• Evaluating the effectiveness of policies, procedures, and program changes

Policy Development & Strategic Analysis: You will serve as a policy advisor to OFA leadership and help shape statewide operational standards. This includes:

• Designing and implementing policies, procedures, and forms used by investigators statewide
• Interpreting federal and state regulations related to public assistance programs
• Conducting policy analysis and preparing legislative or issue briefings
• Developing recommendations that support operational improvement and program integrity
• Collaborating with RDA staff on dashboards, reports and data accuracy.

Data Analysis & Research Leadership: You will build and maintain a strong data program to support strategic decision-making. This includes:

• Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data related to fraud investigations
• Producing reports, dashboards, and visual data presentations for leadership
• Applying statistical analysis to identify trends and inform program improvements
• Managing requests for data and research across multiple programs and partners

Systems & Operational Improvement: You will collaborate with technical teams and agency partners to improve systems that support investigative work. This includes:

• Partnering with IT staff on the design and maintenance of the Fraud Investigation Tracking Tool (FITT)
• Researching best practices from federal agencies, other states, and private industry
• Conducting operations and methods analysis to improve investigative processes
• Developing tools, workflows, and training programs for statewide staff

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field and at least five years of professional experience conducting research, quantitative or qualitative data analysis, or program evaluation
• At least four years of experience working with data systems, data modeling, or data extraction methods.
• Mastery level skills and expertise in Excel pivot tables, process management, strategic planning and metrics, including building logic models, utilizing performance analysis tools and techniques, building visual displays tracking performance progress, clearly
• Four years’ experience managing complex projects.

Interested?
Please attach the following to your application:

• A current resume that includes dates of employment
• A letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position
• Three professional references with current contact information

Questions? Please email grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference 01991

To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

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.

Additional 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.

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