DSHS Lakeland – Compliance and Investigation Manager (SHPC4)

Dshs

Lakeland – Compliance and Investigation Manager (Social & Health Program Consultant 4)Join our team at Lakeland Village as a Compliance and Investigation Manager, where you'll play a critical role in protecting the health, safety, and rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this position, you'll lead investigations into serious incidents involving allegations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation while overseeing internal investigations and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. You'll also provide guidance, training, and mentorship to facility investigators and staff, helping strengthen investigative practices, address compliance concerns, and prevent future incidents. Your work will help ensure individuals receive safe, quality care in an environment that respects their rights, dignity, and well-being.

Some of what you'll do

• Conduct independent investigations of Category I critical incidents involving allegations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, financial exploitation, abandonment, and other serious incidents involving clients.
• Develop investigation plans, conduct interviews, gather and preserve evidence, and determine findings based on the preponderance of available evidence and independent professional judgment.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive investigative reports documenting findings, identifying potential deficiencies, and recommending areas for corrective action related to client protections, active treatment, staffing, healthcare services, facility operations, and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee Category II internal investigations and conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure investigations follow established DSHS/DDA policies, procedures, and standardized investigative practices.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, and mentorship to facility investigators and professional staff, promoting consistent investigative practices, effective evidence preservation, and root cause analysis to help prevent recurring incidents.
• Develop and deliver training and orientation for facility staff on investigative practices, mandatory reporting of abuse and neglect, client protections, and state and federal compliance requirements.
• Monitor and support compliance with state and federal regulations, participate in statewide investigative and compliance initiatives, and coordinate with law enforcement, Washington State Patrol, Residential Care Services, and other partners to address critical incidents and regulatory concerns.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Knowledge of investigative principles and practices, including conducting thorough investigative interviews, gathering evidence, and evaluating information to determine findings.
• Ability to independently assess complex situations, exercise sound judgment, and make objective decisions based on available evidence.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with management, coworkers, clients, and the public, including in sensitive or high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation involving vulnerable adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with established standards and practices.
• Ability to provide training, coaching, and mentorship to professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or vulnerable adults, as well as teaching, training, or instructing children or adults.

We are searching for professionals with

• One year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 3 (SHPC3) or equivalent.

OR

• Two years of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2 (SHPC2) or equivalent.

OR

• A Master's degree in Social Work, Health or Social Science, Public Administration, or a related field; AND four years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Health or Social Science, Public Administration, or a related field; AND five years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency services programs.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling nine or more years.

Additional information

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• 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.

Along with your application, please include

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

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.

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.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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