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Posted: February 17, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS WSH Investigator 2

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$4,771 - $6,414

per month

Type

Closes

February 28, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading detailed investigations into patient complaints at a state hospital, gathering evidence, interviewing people involved, and reviewing reports to ensure fair treatment.

You'll also support staff and help with training to protect patient rights in a mental health setting.

It's a great fit for someone with investigative experience who is patient, good at talking to people in tough situations, and passionate about helping vulnerable community members.

Key Requirements

  • One year of experience as an Investigator 1, or three years as an investigator in criminal justice, government, private organization, or allied field
  • Two years of related college-level coursework may substitute for experience
  • Well-versed in DSHS employment investigation practices and state/federal laws
  • Background in investigations and risk management
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflicts in emotional situations
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Valid driver's license for official state business

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH Investigator 2

Western State Hospital is seeking a dedicated Investigator 2 to join their team at the Gage Center of Forensic Excellence in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you'll be responsible for leading and conducting complex patient rights investigations within the hospital.

As an Investigator 2, you’ll not only monitor investigations handled by supervisors, but you’ll also play a pivotal role in supporting employees and patients related to conducting investigations.

If you are eager to improve lives and are looking for an opportunity to use your education and experience to make an impact in our community, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

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. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you'll do:
  • Independently investigates patient grievance
  • Gather and preserves pertinent evidence, including statements, incident reports, and security reports
  • Conduct in-depth interviews of grievance, respondents, subjects, and/or witnesses.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple resources related to investigations
  • Conduct reviews of investigations conducted by supervisors/managers
  • Provide back-up and assistance to the Grievance Investigation Supervisor and office support staff
  • Provide research assistance and conducting quality reviews of investigative draft and final reports
  • Assist in facilitating employee trainings, as assigned
What we're looking for:

  • Well-versed in DSHS employment investigation practice and state and federal laws
  • An understanding and background in investigations and risk management
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflict in highly emotional situations
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
Who should apply?
One years of experience as an Investigator 1

OR

Three years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice government agency or private organization, or other directly allied field

Note: Two years of related college-level course work may be substituted for experience

Note: Must hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business

Questions? Email peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 01334.

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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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/17/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/18/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5239532