Salary: $3,665.00 - $4,882.00 Monthly Location : Whatcom County - Bellingham, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2025-06281 Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families Division: CW Field Operations - Region 3 Opening Date: 09/15/2025 Closing Date: 9/22/2025 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: Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2) Location: Bellingham, WA - Region 3. (Region Map). Work duties will be performed in the office. Travel to offices within the region or in/out of state may be required, and travel to other offices to provide office coverage if needed. Closes: 09/22/2025 Salary: $3,665 - $4,882 Monthly We are seeking an Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2) to provide lead administrative support to an office of Social Service Specialists within Region 3, Division of Children, Youth and Families, Bellingham Field Office. Our ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced environment, thrives in multitasking, and effectively manages work priorities and deadlines. If this sounds like you and you're looking for an opportunity for professional growth and development in an administrative role, apply today! Click here to learn more about DCYF. The Opportunity: This position reports to the Office Manager and will provide support and back up to the Office Manager by performing most of their duties in their absence. This Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2) will lead a unit of four Administrative Assistants in the Bellingham Office and will advise, assign, check, and instruct on work methods. This detail-oriented position involves a range of complex clerical tasks, routine duties, and recurring responsibilities. Multi-tasking, managing work priorities, meeting deadlines, and covering for other positions in the unit is an aspect of the job. This administrative position will provide service for staff members, community members, and the public who come into the office. This position will assist in a variety of tasks, which have a strict timeline for processing. This position exercises specialized knowledge of DCYF programs and requirements, and exercises independent judgment in resolving written communication and clerical issues with discretion. This position will need to learn many different tasks and ensure all tasks are processed correctly without mistakes. This position is expected to work with other clerical staff and will assist others when needed; staff will be cross-trained to ensure timelines are met. Assisting each other with training methods will be expected of administrative support staff. This position is expected to maintain confidentiality at all times. Some of what you'll do:
- Leads a unit of four (Admin Assistants), advises, assigns, checks, and instructs on work methods.
- Provides office administrative duties; provides back-up to the Office Manager, Administrative Assistant staff, and supports the Area Administrator.
- Maintains office procedures, standards, priorities, and deadlines.
- Screens calls and visitors; answers a multi-line phone system in a fast-paced environment.
- Greets clients, providers, and staff; explains agency services.
- Applies knowledge of various DCYF regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Assists customers/clients with interpreting policies, procedures, and answers routine questions.
- Monitors/arranges for facility and office equipment maintenance, including telephones, copiers, fax, and printers; monitors repair contracts and services.
- Travels in state vehicles for routine vehicle repairs and maintenance.
- Performs complex word processing, spreadsheet, and database tasks.
- May serve as one of two office notaries.
- Creates, edits, and reviews correspondence.
- Maintains calendars and makes appointments; manages complex shift scheduling calendars.
- Schedules and arranges meetings, takes meeting minutes, and makes room reservations.
- Arranges space and equipment for meetings and notifies participants.
- Formats transcription in Famlink, uploading recording equipment into Famlink.
- Maintains electronic files and/or logging systems for databases.
- Composes and types letters and agendas; compiles and produces reports.
- Obtains regional approval for travel requests.
- Schedules LEP interpreters for Social Service Specialists.
- Provides IT office support and assists the office IT in resolving problems.
- Troubleshoots standard office equipment such as multi-function device scanners, copiers, fax machines, scan postage machines, and other office equipment.
Required Qualifications: Two years of increasingly responsible office experience requiring keyboarding or typing AND including experience directing the work of others. OR Equivalent education and experience totaling two years of office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work. AND Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles. Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Previous experience operating a computer, keyboarding, and utilizing Microsoft Office products.
- Previous experience drafting, editing, and sending electronic correspondence.
- Previous experience researching and navigating internet browsers.
- Previous experience editing, proofreading, and drafting memos and other forms of written documents.
- Previous experience prioritizing multiple assignments in an office environment.
- Previously demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with management, peers, clients, and the public.
- Previously demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse and fast-paced environment.
- Previously demonstrated ability to process high levels of customer service skills.
- Previously demonstrated ability to operate vehicles for maintenance/repair transport.
- Previously demonstrated ability to handle inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.
- Previously demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Ability to utilize standard office equipment (printer, copier, computer, etc.)
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing professionally with Attorneys/Social Service Specialists/Judges.
How do I apply?Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
- Cover Letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position
- Updated Resume
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 bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history 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. The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment. 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 Veterans' 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, contact the 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-###-####. 2025-06281 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 a combination of your education and experience?
- I have two years of increasingly responsible office experience requiring keyboarding or typing AND including experience directing the work of others.
- I have equivalent education and experience totaling two years of office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work.
- I am a current DCYF Administrative Assistant 1.
- I am a current DCYF Administrative Assistant 2.
- I do not have any of the above.
02 Please select the answer that best describes your highest level of education:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Technical/Vocational School
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Some college experience, but no degree.
- None of the above
03 Please 'briefly' describe how you meet the required qualifications for this position. Please do not write, see resume. 04 How many years of office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative experience do you have?
- I have LESS than 2 years of experience.
- I have 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 10-12 years of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have 12-15 years of experience.
- I have 15-20 years of experience.
- I have MORE than 20 years of experience.
05 Please 'briefly' describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous question and what kind of experience you have (i.e., clerical, secretarial, accounting, bookkeeping, administrative, etc). 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 answering a multi-phone system, screening calls, and greeting visitors in a fast-paced environment?
- 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 question. 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 typing and editing correspondence in an office environment?
- 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 question. 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 directing the work of others?
- 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 question. 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 How many years of experience do you have maintaining electronic files and /or log systems for database operations?
- 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.
13 How many years of experience do you have editing, proofreading, and drafting business letters, emails, and memos?
- 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.
14 Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, 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. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
15 Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?
16 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