Demo

DSHS WSH Investigator 1

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Lakewood, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/22/2026
Description

DSHS WSH Investigator 1

Western State Hospital has an opportunity for Investigator 1 to join its team of professionals in Lakewood . Investigator 1 plays a pivotal role in the investigation of patient rights violations and follow-up activities at Western State Hospital to fulfill the employer's legal obligations and mitigate risk.

In this role, you conduct routine patient-rights investigations and follow-up activities at Western State Hospital to ensure compliance with CMS standards, regulatory requirements, and state and federal laws. You help strengthen a culture of excellence by monitoring adherence to policies and procedures, and you provide guidance and education to employees on investigative practices when needed.

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

Some Of What You'll Do

  • Independently investigate patient grievances and allegations of abuse or neglect, gathering and preserving evidence such as statements, incident reports, and security reports.
  • Review patient records and other relevant documentation to support accurate and thorough investigative findings.
  • Interview grievants, respondents, subjects, and witnesses - including individuals who may be angry or hesitant - to obtain information consistent with CBAs, RCWs, WACs, and DSHS/WSH policies.
  • Review patient comments and grievances received by the PRG department to determine whether they meet criteria for abuse or neglect and refer them to appropriate stakeholders when necessary.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple sources and complete clear, concise investigative summaries with strong grammar and punctuation.
  • Conduct occasional reviews of investigations completed by other departments and collaborate to develop investigation plans, identify witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare reports.

What We're Looking For

  • Demonstrated reliability and dependability with consistent daily attendance.
  • Ability to efficiently manage a dynamic investigative caseload and meet required timelines.
  • Strong writing skills with the ability to produce clear, complete, and well-organized reports and declarations.
  • Ability to present investigative information orally in a clear, concise, and factual manner.
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with difficult individuals and challenging situations.
  • Excellent time-management skills and the ability to work independently while maintaining high investigative standards.

Who should apply?

Professionals with one year of experience as a Claims Representative or Public Benefits Specialist.

Or

One year 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 one year of experience.

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.

Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference #06094.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Salary.com Estimation for DSHS WSH Investigator 1 in Lakewood, WA
$48,691 to $64,376
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a DSHS WSH Investigator 1?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the DSHS WSH Investigator 1 career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$47,543 - $64,320
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$43,963 - $55,591
Income Estimation: 
$55,490 - $70,607
Income Estimation: 
$49,313 - $64,855
Income Estimation: 
$49,126 - $60,591
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Lakewood, WA
  • Description DSHS WSH Registered Nurse 4 - Shift Nurse Manager Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA, is currently seeking a Shift Nurse Manager. This posi... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Medical Lake, WA
  • Description DSHS Physician Assistant Certified We seek a Certified Physician’s Assistant to join the team at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA. Th... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Steilacoom, WA
  • Description Description We have an opportunity for an expert in policy to join our team at the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration(BHHA) with... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Tacoma, WA
  • Description DSHS ESA – Case Planning and Support Specialist The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting o... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other DSHS WSH Investigator 1 jobs in the Lakewood, WA area that may be a better fit.

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Lakewood, WA
  • Description DSHS WSH Psychology Associate (Sexual Offense & Behavior Associate) The Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) within WA State’... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Lakewood, WA
  • Description DSHS WSH Registered Nurse 4 - Shift Nurse Manager Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA, is currently seeking a Shift Nurse Manager. This posi... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!