Administrative Assistant 5 (AA5) - Seattle/Region 4

Administrative Assistant 5 (AA5) - Seattle/Region 4

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - Other, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05293

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

CW Field Operations - Region 4

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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

Job Title: Administrative Assistant 5 (AA5)

Location: Seattle, WA - King County. Region 4. This full-time, permanent position requires work within an office environment with remote options. The office assignment for this position is negotiable within King Countys Child Welfare Offices. The incumbent will be required to travel to various office locations within Region 4 for training and meetings.

Closes: 07/08/2026

Salary: $61,332 - $82,440 Annually. King County Premium: The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is seeking an Administrative Assistant 5 (AA5) to provide high-level administrative support to Region 4s Regional Administrator of the Child Welfare Field Operations team in King County. If you have experience providing administrative support to a Director or Executive Leader, an innate ability to stay organized, and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, apply today!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

The AA5 reports to Region 4s Regional Administrator and functions as the principal assistant for administrative matters, accomplishing varied and complex projects. This position has delegated authority to act in the absence of the Regional Administrator on administrative matters, including managing the regions travel budget, purchasing equipment and service orders, facility and space management, labor relations and personnel actions, developing regional administrative procedures and practices, and receiving and staffing of complaints and issues raised by the public or forwarded from the Governors office or the Secretarys office. This position maintains strict confidentiality of employee and client information.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Serve as the Regional Administrator's (RA) principal assistant with delegated authority to accomplish their administrative responsibilities and assignments.
• Prepare correspondence for the RA and exercise signature authority on administrative matters.
• Compile and analyze data, review staff work for completeness, and make or direct changes when necessary.
• Coordinate and manage the RAs calendar using agency-approved software.
• Address public groups on departmental functions and policies, and answer questions about the regions operation.
• Investigate operating methods and procedures in various functional areas and develop improved methods.
• Participate in assessing process improvement initiatives, monitoring contracts to ensure performance and compliance.
• Serve on committees related to administrative matters within the agency, complete projects and duties as required.
• Work cooperatively with other support and administrative staff when needed due to unusual workloads, absences, or other circumstances.
• Participate in monthly management meetings and other meetings, record minutes, transcribe notes, track and monitor tasks and decisions, and post and distribute.
• Coordinate the policy review process for timeliness, assign policy reviews, take the lead in the decision review/revision process, and initiate stakeholder reviews.
• Approve filling of FTE allotments and documentation of approval by ensuring completion of appropriate documentation, including employee and position actions.
• Approve travel advances and requests for region staff and client travel, ensuring compliance with laws and policies.
• Approve funds to purchase equipment and service orders.

Required Qualifications:

Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years of office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, supervisory, or general administrative work.

OR

One year as an Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4).

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, public administration, or a closely allied field AND three (3) years of administrative or supervisory experience.

Required Competencies:

• Ability to interact with co-workers and the community appropriately and professionally to maintain good teamwork and customer relationships.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Publisher, MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat, including database applications such as MS Access and FamLink.
• Ability to interpret in-depth travel guidelines, including DCYF Accounting policies, SAAM policies, and OFM regulations.
• Ability to work independently to establish priorities and organize work to enable completion of assigned tasks through exercising good judgment, problem-solving ability, and multitasking to complete assignments.
• Ability to make reasonable judgments in a complex and changing organizational environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of client and personnel information.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve computer hardware, software, and other electronic equipment issues.
• Ability to analyze sensitive issues objectively and realistically, and provide advice and consultation on these issues.
• Ability to create presentations, complex charts and graphs, and electronic forms.
• Ability to write and prepare clear and effective reports and other documents.
• Ability to create and maintain tracking and monitoring systems.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with management, peers, clients, and the public, as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.

How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application, please attach the following:

• Cover Letter
• Updated Resume
• Copy of College Transcripts (if applicable)

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.

The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility visit: Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, 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, the 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.

2026-05293

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

The following questions will be used to verify qualifications. Any variation in your answers verified through the review process may delay your application. You will be asked to verify your education, experience, and the information provided on your online application, including your responses. Accuracy is essential.

• I have read and certify I understand the statement above.

02

Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications of this position?

• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five years of office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, supervisory, or general administrative work.
• One year as an Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4).
• I am already an (AA5).
• I have none of the above.

03

Please briefly explain how you meet the required qualifications in the previous question. Please do not write, " See resume".

04

How many years of professional paid work experience do you have in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, supervisory, or general administrative work?

• I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
• I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
• I have Three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
• I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
• I have more than five (5) years of this experience.
• I have 5-7 years.
• I have 7-10 years.
• I have 10 years of this experience.
• I have 15 years of this experience.
• I have 20 years or more of this experience.
• I have none of the above.

05

How many years of professional work experience do you have in an administrative or supervisory support role?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
• I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
• I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
• I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
• I have more than five (5) years of this experience.
• I have more than 10 years of experience.
• I have 15 years of this experience.
• I have more than 20 years of experience.

06

Please select the area where you have professional work experience. (Your application should reflect this experience). Please choose one or all that apply.

• Office Clerical
• Front desk/receptionist
• General Administrative work/Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Assistant 2 or 3 (AA2) or (AA3)
• Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4)
• Administrative Assistant 5 (AA5)
• Office Manager
• Bookkeeper
• Accounting/Accountant
• Business administration
• Public administration
• Supervisory/management experience
• Coordinating and managing administrative calendars
• Purchasing equipment & service orders
• Budgeting/approving travel requests for staff
• Facility and space coordination/management
• Ensuring compliance with laws and policies
• Approving/reviewing funds and purchase orders
• Approving the filling of FTE allotments
• Recording minutes and/or transcribing notes in management meetings
• Serving on committees related to administrative matters
• Assessing process improvement initiatives
• Monitoring contracts to ensure performance and compliance
• Addressing public groups/public speaking or presentations
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Publisher, MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficiency in database applications such as MS Access and/or FAMLINK.

07

How many years of experience do you have interpreting in-depth travel guidelines, including DCYF Accounting policies, SAAM policies, and OFM regulations?

• I do not have this experience, but willing to learn.
• I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
• I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
• I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
• I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
• I have more than five (5) years of this experience.
• I have more than 10 years.
• I have more than 15 years.
• I have more than 20 years.

08

Select the answer that best describes your education as it relates to this position.

• A High School Diploma, or Equivalent.
• Some business-related classes, workshops, or training.
• An Associates degree in Business Administration, public administration, office clerical or a closely allied field.
• An Associate degree in an unrelated field.
• A Bachelors degree in Business Administration, public administration, or a closely allied field.
• A Masters degree or higher in Business Administration, public administration, or a closely allied field.
• A Bachelors or Masters degree or higher in an unrelated field.
• None of the above.

09

DCYF (multiple) How did you hear about this career 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