CQI Specialist (CS3) - Olympia

CQI Specialist (CS3) - Olympia

Salary

$67,704.00 - $91,104.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05482

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Early Learning Division

Opening Date

07/08/2026

Closing Date

7/15/2026 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 state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Commerce Specialist (CS3) - Olympia

Location: Olympia, WA - Travel is an essential function of this position. Frequent overnight travel is required to conduct monitoring visits and attend meetings, training courses, and conferences. Must be able to travel by airplane, operate a motor vehicle and must hold a valid driver's license when operating a state- or privately-owned vehicle on official state business.

Closes: Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Salary: $67,704 - $91,104 Annually

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a Commerce Specialist 3 (CS3) to join the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) as a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Specialist. In this role, you will support DCYFs mission of working alongside Washingtons vulnerable children, youth, and families to foster safety, stability, and better outcomes by strengthening opportunities, connections, and community. This hybrid position requires in-person attendance to meet business needs and frequent statewide overnight travel.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

As an ECEAP Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Specialist, you will support ECEAP contractors continuous quality improvement efforts and participation with Early Achievers and Child Care Licensing. You will provide technical assistance to help contractors meet ECEAP requirements, interpret ECEAP Performance Standards, and monitor contractor compliance. Working with a high level of responsibility and accountability, you will participate as a team player in division and ECEAP teamwork, including staff meetings, while supporting quality improvement efforts across the state. This position reports directly to the Continuous Quality Improvement Lead Specialist.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Monitor compliance with ECEAP contract requirements and performance standards while supporting contractors continuous quality improvement and participation in Early Achievers and Child Care Licensing.
• Conduct monitoring calls and lead or participate in onsite monitoring visits to ensure compliance with ECEAP requirements and support contractor continuous quality improvement.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with contractors by providing technical assistance, consultation, resolving complex issues, and promoting collaboration.
• Build contractor capacity to self-monitor and engage in continuous quality improvement through technical assistance, consultation, and ongoing support.
• Write, research, and analyze comprehensive monitoring reports, including desktop comprehensive reports, and develop and monitor corrective action plans to bring contractors into compliance with ECEAP guidelines.
• Provide expert assessment of ECEAP service delivery to inform continued agency partnerships.
• Draft and develop program policy, review exceptions to ECEAP Performance Standards, and recommend policy, planning, funding requests, and long- and short-term business objectives to management.
• Recommend and inform statewide policy, planning, and ECEAP development using an equity lens while collaborating on agency initiatives, including Child Care Licensing, standards alignment, Performance Based Contracting, and coordinated monitoring.
• Lead designated projects independently; participate in special ECEAP, division, and agency initiatives; and represent DCYF ECEAP at meetings, conferences, and with external early learning partners and organizations.
• Provide consultation and training to leadership, staff, contractors, and external partners on preschool service delivery, quality elements, monitoring processes, ECEAP Performance Standards, and current research in early learning.
• Prepare responses to stakeholders and support ECEAP processes during legislative sessions.
• Develop, support, and model a positive and productive workplace culture that emphasizes equity, respect, inclusion, belonging, and human-centered approaches aligned with DCYFs Strategic and Racial Equity Plan.
• Work within the Racial Equity and Social Justice Framework by championing disability rights, inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities, and eliminating barriers to services for historically marginalized and oppressed populations through ongoing education, networking, and professional development.
• Travel statewide on official state business by vehicle and/or air to support monitoring visits, meetings, and other program activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years of professional experience in early childhood education, child development, early learning, state preschool education, comprehensive preschool programming, or closely related field.

OR

• High school diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years of professional experience in early childhood education, child development, early learning, state preschool education, comprehensive preschool programming, or closely related field (e.g., elementary education, social services, public administration).

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling seven (7) years in early childhood education, child development, early learning, state preschool education, comprehensive preschool programming, or closely related field (e.g., elementary education, social services, public administration).

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.

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

In addition to those required qualifications, candidates will need to have:

• Previous experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance in the early learning field.
• Previous experience in early learning program monitoring, grants, and contracts management.
• Demonstrated expert-level knowledge in three or more of these areas: current research in early learning, developmentally appropriate preschool education, family engagement practices, early learning and family outcomes, direct services for low-income children and families, quality rating and improvement systems, coaching.
• Previous professional experience and demonstrated skill interpreting, analyzing and synthesizing data into documents and presentations.
• Previously demonstrated excellent written communication skills.
• Previously demonstrated excellent oral communication skills, including skills for meeting facilitation, training, presentations, and consensus-building.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in technical assistance and coaching at a statewide level.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with DCYF staff and positively represent the agency with diverse external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to use an equity lens and approach to this work.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of learning about the communities that we serve, valuing, encouraging, and supporting diverse practices and needs.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity of the differences and needs of historically marginalized and oppressed populations; modify behaviors and communications to accommodate these differences.
• Previously demonstrated initiative, flexibility, accountability, and responsiveness

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

• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and online meeting platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement in state operations and local ECEAP services.

How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Resume (current/updated)
• College Transcripts -If applicable. (An unofficial copy is acceptable for applying).

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.

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

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.

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 would like to request 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) at360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans PreferenceMUSTattach 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.

2026-05482

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

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

• Equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling seven (7) years in early childhood education, child development, early learning, state preschool education, comprehensive preschool programming, or closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years of professional experience in early childhood education, child development, early learning, state preschool education, comprehensive preschool programming, or closely related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) years of professional experience in early childhood education, child development, early learning, state preschool education, comprehensive preschool programming, or closely related field (e.g., elementary education, social services, public administration).
• None of the above.

02

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience/education indicated in the previous questions. 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

Which of the following best describes your experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance in the early learning field?

• No Experience - I have no experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance in the early learning field.
• Limited Experience - I have less than one (1) year of experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance in the early learning field.
• Intermediate Experience - I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance in the early learning field.
• Advanced Experience - I have more than three (3) years of experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance in the early learning field.

04

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience/education indicated in the previous questions. 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

Which of the following best describes your experience providing technical assistance related to early learning program requirements, interpreting program standards, and monitoring contractor or program compliance?

• No Experience
• Limited Experience (less than 1 year)
• Intermediate Experience (1-3 years)
• Advanced Experience (3+ years)

06

Do you have professional experience providing technical assistance related to ECEAP requirements, interpreting ECEAP Performance Standards, and monitoring ECEAP contractor compliance?

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience providing technical assistance related to ECEAP requirements, interpreting ECEAP Performance Standards, and monitoring ECEAP contractor compliance. Include the organization(s), your role, and your primary responsibilities. If you answered "No", pleases write "N/A" below.

08

Which of the following best describes your experience drafting and developing program policies, procedures, standards, or guidance documents?

• No Experience - I have no experience drafting or developing program policies, procedures, standards, or guidance documents.
• Limited Experience - I have less than one (1) year of experience drafting or developing program policies, procedures, standards, or guidance documents.
• Intermediate Experience - I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience drafting or developing program policies, procedures, standards, or guidance documents.
• Advanced Experience - I have more than three (3) years of experience drafting or developing program policies, procedures, standards, or guidance documents.
• I have (4) to (5) years of this experience.

09

Which of the following best describes your experience independently planning, leading, and managing projects?

• No Experience - I have no experience independently planning, leading, or managing projects.
• Limited Experience - I have less than one (1) year of experience independently planning, leading, and managing projects.
• Intermediate Experience - I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience independently planning, leading, and managing projects.
• Advanced Experience - I have more than three (3) years of experience independently planning, leading, and managing projects.

10

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

• Yes
• No

11

If claiming veterans preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

12

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Online job boards
• LinkedIn
• 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