DSHS WSH Investigator 2

About the role

The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration is seeking a dedicated Investigator 2 to join the Western State Hospital Civil Center’s Patient Rights & Grievances department in Lakewood, WA. This critical role ensures the protection of patient rights by conducting thorough investigations into grievances, abuse, and neglect allegations, supporting compliance with state and federal regulations. With over 200 patients across 12 wards, the department handles a significant number of grievances that require timely acknowledgment and resolution. As the primary investigator, you will play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable patients, ensuring compliance, and supporting the hospital's commitment to high-quality care. If you have a strong background in investigations, risk management, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, this is an excellent opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact.

About Western State Hospital

Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Responsibilities

• Independently investigate patient grievances, abuse/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 to obtain relevant information
• 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 per policy
• Support the Grievance Investigation Supervisor, review investigations conducted by supervisors, assist with employee training, and provide administrative backup as needed

Requirements

• Knowledge of investigative practices, state and federal laws on patient abuse and vulnerable adult protection (e.g., 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
• Skilled in de-escalating high-emotion situations, conducting interviews with sensitivity, and working collaboratively 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
• 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)

Benefits

• Positions 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
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs