Salary: $6,414.00 - $8,628.00 Monthly Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2025-06221 Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families Division: (PPS) Practice Supports and Quality Improvement Opening Date: 09/09/2025 Closing Date: 9/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description Our vision is to ensure that Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy- thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community. Job Title: Critical Incident Review Specialist (MA5) Location: Olympia, WA (This position is stationed in Olympia, WA and is primarily remote; however, the incumbent must have the ability to travel and attend in-person meetings.) Closes: 9/16/25 Salary: $6414 - $8628 The Critical Incident Review Team is currently looking for a Critical Incident Review Specialist to conduct case reviews and evaluate case practice, program, and system issues as they relate to critical incidents; specifically, a child fatality or near-fatality that is suspicious for abuse or neglect when the family received services from DCYF within 12 months of the child's death or injury. The ideal candidate is comfortable leading a discussion of multidisciplinary professionals and has exceptional writing skills. Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in your community? Apply today. Click here to learn more about The Opportunity: This position provides critical incident consultation for DCYF field staff and management on high-profile, high-risk, or other complex cases that primarily involve child near-fatalities or fatalities. This position works closely with a small, tight-knit team. The work is focused on identifying improvements to the child welfare system. This position primarily works remotely and evaluates cases across the state. Sharing information learned from reviews with regional child welfare staff and program staff is another essential task for this position. Some of what you will get to do:
- Conduct clinical analysis of cases.
- Identify and recruit a multidisciplinary team of community professionals.
- Conduct reviews in accordance with statutory requirements under
- Review and evaluate facts and case-related activities and provide clinical consultation.
- Analyze the case to identify key elements.
- Provide written and oral summaries.
- Review and prepare confidential and often highly sensitive case documents.
- Coordinate and arrange for the testimony of key participants.
- Facilitate and provide an advanced level of professional child welfare expertise.
- Prepare and present the case, documentation, and testimony to the review team.
- Prepare detailed reports documenting the review discussion, findings, and improvement opportunities for review and approval.
- Provide clinical consultation statewide on high-risk, high-profile, or any case as requested by either field staff, regional, or HQ management staff.
What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
- Experience with providing social work practice within a child welfare program.
- Experience in accessing information in FAMLINK.
- Experience reviewing cases for quality assurance purposes and have demonstrated strong writing skills.
AND one of the following options: Nine years of progressively responsible experience in two or more of the following areas:
- Conducting research
- Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
- Conducting child welfare business analysis and developing requirements
- Leading child welfare business projects
- Managing business operations
- Child welfare business policy development
- Supervising child welfare
OR A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, social science, business administration, public administration, public health, health administration, or a related field AND five years of progressively responsible experience in two or more of the following areas:
- Conducting research
- Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
- Conducting child welfare business analysis and developing requirements
- Leading child welfare business projects
- Managing business operations
- Child welfare business policy development
- Supervising child welfare
AND
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
- Master's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field.
- Prior knowledge of DCYF vision, mission, and guiding principles.
- Experience with state and federal statutes and WACs related to child protection, child near-fatalities and fatalities, confidentiality, child welfare, Family Reconciliation Services, foster care licensing, and adoption.
- Experience with DCYF child welfare programs and policies for Intake, CPS, CWS, FRS, Adoption, foster care licensing, or other related programs.
- Experience with Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement principles and methodologies.
- Experience with program evaluation, research methods, data interpretation, monitoring and tracking systems, and procedure analysis.
- Knowledge of social work theories and best practice standards in child protection and child welfare and social work code of ethics.
- Experience with adult learning and professional training principles.
- Knowledge of the impact of critical incidents on child welfare staff.
- Prior experience with assessing the safety and risk of abuse and/or neglect of children.
- Understanding of risk management basic principles in a child welfare organization.
- Knowledge of secondary trauma and resources available for staff.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Children and Family Services Review and Program Improvement Plans.
How do I apply? Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
Supplemental Information: The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment. Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please blackout (redact)the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, . For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or email Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-###-####. 06221 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 07-21-2025 01 Which of the following best describes your education and experience as they relate to this position?
- Nine years of progressively responsible experience in two or more of the following areas: conducting research, analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations; conducting business analysis and developing requirements, leading business projects, managing business operations, business policy development, or supervising.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field AND five years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the following areas: conducting research, analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations; conducting child welfare business analysis and developing requirements, leading child welfare business projects, managing business operations, child welfare business policy development, or supervising.
- None of the above.
02 How many years of professional experience do you have providing social work practice within a child welfare program?
- I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
- I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
- I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
- I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
- I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
- I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
- I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
- I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
- I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
- I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
03 Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write none. Please do not write see application/resume/cover letter. 04 How many years of experience do you have accessing information in FAMLINK?
- I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
- I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
- I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
- I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
- I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
- I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
- I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
- I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
- I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
- I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
05 Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write none. Please do not write see application/resume/cover letter. 06 How many years of experience do you have reviewing cases for quality assurance purposes?
- I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
- I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
- I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
- I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
- I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
- I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
- I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
- I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
- I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
- I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
07 Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write none. Please do not write see application/resume/cover letter. 08 How many years of experience do you have in child welfare business policy development?
- I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
- I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
- I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
- I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
- I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
- I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
- I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
- I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
- I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
- I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
09 Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write none. Please do not write see application/resume/cover letter. 10 How many years of experience do you have working with DCYF child welfare programs and policies?
- I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
- I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
- I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
- I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
- I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
- I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
- I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
- I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
- I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
- I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
- I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
11 Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write none. Please do not write see application/resume/cover letter. 12 Which one of the following best describes your highest level of knowledge with State and federal statutes and WACs related to child protection, child near-fatalities and fatalities, confidentiality, child welfare, Family Reconciliation Services, foster care licensing, and adoption.
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
- Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
- None of the above
13 Which one of the following best describes your highest level of competency in social work theories and best practice standards in child protection and child welfare and social work code of ethics?
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
- Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
- None of the above
14 Which one of the following best describes your highest level of understanding of Federal Children and Family Services Review and Program Improvement Plans?
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
- Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
- None of the above
15 (For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?
16 DCYF - How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Washington State Employee Referral
- DCYF Employee Referral
- DCYF Jobs Page
- Monster
- College/university career fair or website
- LinkedIn
- Facebook
- VERG
- Advertisement
- CareerBuilder
- Diversity Jobs
- Handshake
- Movie Theatre
- Other
17 If claiming veteran's preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?
Required Question