DSHS WSH Investigator 2

State of Washington • Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration is seeking an Investigator 2 for the Western State Hospital Civil Center’s Patient Rights & Grievances department in Lakewood, Washington. The role protects patient rights by investigating grievances, abuse and neglect allegations, and policy violations, while supporting compliance with state and federal regulations. The department serves more than 200 patients across 12 wards and handles a significant number of grievances requiring timely acknowledgment and resolution.

The Investigator 2 works as the primary investigator, gathering and evaluating evidence, conducting interviews, and preparing findings. The position also monitors and responds to the Civil Center Abuse and Neglect Hotline and supports the Grievance Investigation Supervisor through investigation reviews, employee training, and administrative backup.

Western State Hospital is a state psychiatric hospital providing inpatient mental health treatment for people with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. This position is performed on-site at least three days a week; such opportunities may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Requirements

• One year of experience as an Investigator 1, or three years of investigative experience in a criminal justice government agency, private organization, or other directly related field. Two years of related college-level coursework may substitute for experience.
• Knowledge of investigative practices and state and federal laws on patient abuse and vulnerable adult protection, including Just Cause Principles, Garrity, and Weingarten rights.
• Ability to gather, preserve, and interpret evidence; apply investigative methods; and ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports, present findings effectively, and speak before groups with confidence.
• Skill in de-escalating high-emotion situations, conducting sensitive interviews, and collaborating with diverse individuals and teams.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence, chain of custody, court procedures, laws of arrest, search and seizure, and Miranda rights.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, securing cooperation across departments, and providing training and guidance on investigative processes.
• A valid driver's license is required for employees driving on state business; employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must have liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Independently investigate patient grievances, abuse and neglect allegations, and policy violations while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Gather, preserve, and analyze evidence, including statements, incident reports, security reports, and medical records, to determine investigative findings.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with grievants, respondents, subjects, and witnesses.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple sources to support investigations and provide quality reviews of reports.
• Monitor and respond to the Civil Center Abuse and Neglect Hotline, assist with grievance documentation, and ensure timely resolution according to policy.
• Support the Grievance Investigation Supervisor, review investigations conducted by supervisors, assist with employee training, and provide administrative backup as needed.

Benefits

• Potential additional 5% premium pay for opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week.
• Orca Card for transportation needs for Pierce County employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed