Child Welfare Facilities Deputy Administrator (WMS2) - Belonging House/Vancouver

Child Welfare Facilities Deputy Administrator (WMS2) - Belonging House/Vancouver

Salary

$95,568.00 - $119,460.00 Annually

Location

Clark County - Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-08319

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

CW Field Operations - Region 6

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "All Washingtons children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".

Job Title: Child Welfare Facilities Deputy Administrator (WMS2)

Location: Vancouver, WA (Belonging House) Hybrid - Work will include a mixture of in-person, telework, and field work and requires a minimum of three days onsite at Belonging House each week.

Closes: 10/14/26

Salary: $95,568 - $119,460 Annually (The posted salary does not include an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium)

We are looking for a Child Welfare Facilities Deputy Administrator (WMS2) to supervise child welfare direct service staff within the Belonging House placement exception facility as well as the centralized rapid response team. If you have proven leadership skills and want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, apply today and join our supportive and amazing team!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

The Child Welfare Facilities Deputy Administrator provides leadership, oversight, and direction to teams responsible for serving youth with complex behavioral, developmental, and mental health needs, including youth who are class members of the D.S. Lawsuit. The position ensures that services, programs, and facility operations are responsive to the unique needs of these youth while maintaining a safe, secure, supportive, and therapeutic environment.

In addition to the 24/7 Belonging House facility and program oversight, the Child Welfare Facilities Deputy Administrator provides leadership and supervision for the centralized Child Welfare Rapid Response Team. The establishment of a centralized Rapid Response Team is a direct recommendation from the Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds (OFCO) to help address delays in the delivery of case services within the child welfare system.

The Deputy Administrator is responsible for ensuring that Rapid Response Team resources are effectively deployed to address identified service delays, emerging operational needs, and other critical child welfare issues. The position works collaboratively with regional leadership, quality assurance (QA) staff, and direct service teams to strengthen practice, improve service delivery, and promote consistent outcomes for children and youth.

Some of what youll do:

• Administer and oversee delivery of Statewide Placement Exception facility and services.
• Manage and Mentor Supervisors and lead social service support staff.
• Develop supervisors in effectively leading their teams to meet or exceed agency, state, and federal

child welfare service standards.

• Manage, in coordination with supervisors, the recruitment and hiring of employees within agency hiring

standards.

• Establish goals and objectives, develop performance standards, equip staff, develop expectations and

procedures, resolve problems, and evaluate supervisors and staff.

• Develop training plans to ensure all staff have the skills and information necessary to make appropriate

decisions for child safety, permanency, and well-being.

• Develop and monitor corrective action plans and advise the regional administrator or designee of serious

performance problems or other personnel concerns.

• Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal standards.
• Provide guidance and consultation to staff on case management, legal services, and permanency decisions.
• Represent DCYF with local tribes, community groups, or organizations; deliver public presentations regarding

DCYF programs, policies, and issues.

• Develop and preserve connections and communication with DCYF offices across the state of Washington.
• Develop, support, and maintain strong collaborative working relationships statewide with school districts, the

medical community, law enforcement, courts, prosecutors office, military, faith community, providers, and child

advocacy groups.

• Provide leadership and supervision for the centralized Child Welfare Rapid Response Team.

Required Qualifications:

A Masters degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Four (4) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs; AND three (3) years of experience must include the supervision of professional staff in social service delivery.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Five (5) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs; AND three (3) years of experience must include the supervision of professional staff in social service delivery.

OR

Two (2) years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 5*.

OR

Seven years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs; AND three years of experience must include the supervision of professional staff in social service delivery.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Ability to:

• Utilize cultural competency to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with clients and staff.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with law enforcement, courts, providers/vendors,

community stakeholders, and with internal/external statewide professionals.

• Evaluate, compile, and organize data into reports and policies.
• Direct and evaluate the work of others.
• Understand, conceptualize, structure, and administer quality assurance programs.
• Apply principles of child protection to a variety of complex family situations.
• Assess and understand complex casework options.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Advanced supervisory and managerial skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act and the WA state Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Working understanding of state and federal law and agency policies and regulations concerning public child protective services, Indian child welfare services, risk assessment, safety planning, and permanency, and well-being services as delivered in a public child welfare setting.
• Budget analysis, allotments, and fiscal accountability applications.
• Proficient with business applications and Child Welfare information computer systems.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• College Transcripts (an unofficial copy is acceptable for the application)

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 goal 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.

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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.

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.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. 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, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

08319

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please select from the choices below how you qualify for this position.

• Seven years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• I have a Masters degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Masters degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Four (4) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• I have a Bachelors degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelors degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Five (5) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• I have Two (2) years of experience (or more) as a Social Service Specialist 5.
• I have none of the above.

02

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."

03

Paid social service experience MUST include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct, family-centered practice services. Do you have this required experience?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

04

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."

05

Do you have Three (3) years of experience that included supervision of professional staff in social service delivery?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

06

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."

07

DCYF (For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?

• Yes
• No
• Does not apply to me

08

Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09

This position requires a criminal background check prior to employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

10

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?

• Yes
• No
• N/A

11

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

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov