Behavioral Health Investigation (HSC 4)

Salary: $5,812.00 - $7,817.00 Monthly Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: DOH8847 Department: Dept. of Health Division: Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) Opening Date: 02/26/2026 Closing Date: 3/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents. Field work throughout Washington State is required and is expected to comprise approximately 55% of work time. The Opportunity As a key member of the Behavioral Health Investigation team, you will conduct on-site and off-site inspections and investigations in multiple geographic areas within Washington State to determine compliance with state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in public and privately-owned behavioral health providers or programs applying professional judgement, skills, and technical knowledge. Key Responsibilities Include: • Lead and direct initial and routine inspections and/ or complaint investigation coordination of assigned facilities in the direction of the supervisor. • Develop an overall approach and create an inspection or investigation plan by gathering information on past inspections, complaints, current laws and rules, team member/co-worker input for planning and organizing inspection or investigation processes. • Collect information by interviewing staff, residents, family members or representatives, providers, agency/facility personnel, other interested or affected parties, and review documents, policies, and procedures. • Observe and evaluate the health care facility or agency treatment program as well as operation of facility health and safety activities during inspections and investigations for compliance with health and safety standards. • Use environmental measurement instruments to collect information about the facility and observe environments for safety hazards including slip hazards, air quality, and hygiene, infection control, food safety, and physical environment. • Review policies and procedures to evaluate the regulated health care facility or program compliance with laws, rules, and regulations. • Review health care facility staff or personnel records to evaluate compliance with required personnel requirements. • Identify findings in state and federal inspections and investigations to compile and prepare necessary documentation of deficiencies or violations in support of proposed corrective or legal action. • Serve as primary point of contact with the facility representative and Office of Health Systems Oversight management during an inspection or investigation. Why You'll Love This Role As an agency expert, you'll provide support and guidance for Health Service Consultant Inspectors and Investigators and for general inquiries made by customers or interested parties. Applying technical knowledge and observations skills, the HSC 4 position coordinates with other state agencies, federal agencies, environmental and public health programs, and organizations to ensure facilities and programs meet established health and safety standards and regulatory requirements. Required Qualifications There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile. Option 1: Six (6) years of experience in applying state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in a survey, inspection, investigation, auditing, or accreditation environment, or experience working in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, or public safety, social work, social science, counseling, public or private sector health-related industry, or other related field. Option 2: A bachelor's degree or higher in law, criminal justice, law enforcement or public safety, social work, social science, counseling, public health, health care administration, or other related field. AND Two (2) or more years of experience in applying state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in a survey, inspection, investigation, auditing, or accreditation environment or in a public or private sector health-related industry, or other related field. Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience • Cultural Humility - Models and facilitates the development and integration of diverse perspectives through learning about and honoring the different cultures represented in the agency. • Equity and Inclusion - Removes barriers to accessing shared resources and promotes a culture of equity, social justice, and belonging. • Achievement Orientation - Adds value through personal contribution, technical knowledge, and group achievements. • Analysis and Problem Solving - Demonstrates ability to identify problems and address them by designing effective solutions. • Communication - Delivers accessible communications (written, oral, and visual) that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. • Customer and Public Service Orientation - Consistently demonstrates the commitment and capacity to provide culturally relevant services to customers and the residents of Washington. After a conditional offer of employment, a criminal history background check will 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 position. Preferred Qualifications While these aren't required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate. • Licensed as an independent clinical counselor in the State of Washington or eligible to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire. A licensed independent clinical counselor includes: substance use disorder professional certification, mental health counselor license, marriage and family therapist license, and social worker independent clinical license. • Experience in environmental health or registered as an Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian. • A master's degree in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, social work, social science, counseling, public health, health care administration, or other related field. • Experience working with and interpreting state laws, or federal regulations related to behavioral health agencies or other regulated licensed or certified health care facilities. Employee Benefits We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family's health, financial security, and work-life balance. You'll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you're living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health. Office of Health Systems Oversight (OHSO) is to support the department's mission by contributing to safe care for Washingtonians by providing oversight of state-licensed and federally regulated clinical and behavioral health entities, and by ensuring they meet applicable standards. We achieve this through timely, comprehensive, consistent, and fair inspections, investigations, providing reports that identify areas of non-compliance with existing regulations and, when required, initiate enforcement action to protect the public. Apply today and contribute to this strong foundation of Washington's public health system! About the Washington State Department of Health We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by Working Conditions: The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work Setting: • This position works in multiple geographic regions within Washington state. Duties require regular in-person attendance and travel to various locations throughout the state. When not traveling for work, the incumbent may work from a DOH facility or alternate location. The official duty station is home-based. • The position may require transporting, moving, and carrying objects weighing up to 30 lbs., including but not limited to: equipment and supplies for conducting onsite investigations and paper case files. Schedule: • This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to meet business demands and deadlines, and/or critical deadlines or address workload peaks. May be asked to work on Holidays and weekends. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval. Travel Requirements: • Regular travel is required to meet with customers and to perform the functions of the position, including but not limited to on-site investigations of facilities. Locations for travel include medical facilities throughout the State. When traveling for work, the position may require traveling alone or with another employee for multiple days and nights in or out of state. When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business. Tools & Equipment: • This position uses standard office furniture and equipment, such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine. Customer Interactions: • The position frequently engages (likely daily) with customers in a variety of settings. This includes facilities, patients, or complainants, some of whom may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. Duties may also require presentations to industry associations, onsite attendance at assigned facilities, and phone interface with facility staff and patients. Contact with other state, federal, CMS, other agency staff, or external customers may be required. Other: • The duties of this position may require the incumbent to complete an identity verification/validation process to gain authorized access to a Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services system to perform the essential functions of the position. This verification/validation process may require the incumbent to provide government-issued identification, current photo/image, and social security number, and credit report. • This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative. • The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment. • This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities. APPLICATION DIRECTIONS: We're committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won't be accepted or shared with the hiring manager. Click "Apply" to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led (if applicable). DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation. Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran's status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Kristina Cox at and reference DOH8847. Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts Supplemental Information This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity? • a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts • b. DOH Employee • c. Friend or Acquaintance • d. Indeed • e. LinkedIn • f. Careers.wa.gov • g. Job Fair - if selected, answer Question 2 • h. Other - if selected, answer Question 2 02 If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: Where you first heard about this employment opportunity? 03 Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? • Yes • No 04 Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency) • Yes • No 05 A background check will only be conducted for the final applicant and only after an offer of employment is made. The information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the suitability and competence to perform in this position.Click Yes to Acknowledge • Yes 06 How many years of experience do you have applying state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in a survey, inspection, investigation, auditing, or accreditation environment, or experience working in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, or public safety, social work, social science, counseling, public or private sector health-related industry, or other related field? • A. I do not have this experience. • B. I have 6 months but less than 1 year of experience • C. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience • D. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience • E. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience • F. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience • G. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience • H. I have 6 or more years of experience 07 How many years of experiencing do you have applying state and federal health and safety standards and regulations in a survey, inspection, investigation, auditing, or accreditation environment or in a public or private sector health-related industry, or other related field? • A. I do not have this experience. • B. I have 6 months but less than 1 year of experience • C. I have 1 year but less than 2 years of experience • D. I have 2 years but less than 3 years of experience • E. I have 3 years but less than 4 years of experience • F. I have 4 years but less than 5 years of experience • G. I have 5 years but less than 6 years of experience • H. I have 6 or more years of experience 08 Do you have a bachelor's degree or higher in law, criminal justice, law enforcement or public safety, social work, social science, counseling, public health, health care administration, or other related field? • Yes • No 09 (Select all that apply) I have experience in one or more of the following: • a. Licensed as an independent clinical counselor in the state of Washington or eligible to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire. (A Licensed independent clinical counselor includes: substance use disorder professional certification, mental health counselor license, marriage and family therapist license, and social worker independent clinical license.) • b. Experience in environmental health or registered as an Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian. • c. A master's degree in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, social work, social science, counseling, public health, health care administration, or other related field. • d. Experience working with and interpreting state laws, or federal regulations related to behavioral health agencies or other regulated licensed or certified health care facilities. • e. None of the above. 10 I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions to ensure their accuracy. I understand that once my application is submitted, these responses cannot be modified. • Yes • No Required Question