Intake, CHET, & Discovery Area Administrator (WMS2) - Tacoma/Region 5

Intake, CHET, & Discovery Area Administrator (WMS2) - Tacoma/Region 5

Salary

$99,418.00 - $124,272.00 Annually

Location

Pierce County - Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-06387

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

CW Field Operations - Region 5

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 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: Intake, CHET, and Discovery Area Administrator (WMS2).

Location: Tacoma, WA - Region 5. Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Travel within the Region and State is required. Occasional National travel may be required.

Closes: 08/20/2026

Salary: $99,418 - $124,272 Annually.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for an Intake, CHET, and Discovery Area Administrator who provides administrative leadership over Placement, Intake, and Rate Assessors. This Area Administrator reports directly to the Regional Administrator and is a member of the Region 5 leadership team. This position provides primary and secondary supervision for 36 incumbents to ensure effective management and adherence to DCYF program mandates to deliver services in Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

The primary objective of this position is to provide leadership to Intake, Discovery, and CHET. The effective measure of this position is the effective implementation of Child Welfare policies; a responsive and timely placement and intake program that utilizes DCYF policy and procedures in decisions with children and families served in Region 5. The Area Administrator for these programs is visible in both Pierce and Kitsap counties and effectively collaborates with three federally recognized Tribes, the courts, HQ Child Welfare programs, data/OIAA, local, state, and national recruitment agencies, and child placing agencies. This position works closely with regional management and quality assurance staff, supervisors, and social services specialists across the region. This position ensures the placement and intake division is efficient, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of all parties; ensures clarity of roles/responsibilities and proper coordination of the program. As the regional lead, this position collaborates with other regional and headquarters leads to review Intake and placement policy mandates. This position collaborates to ensure compliance with Federal and State mandates. Direct accountability includes disposition and management of staff resources, including hiring decisions for secondary reports, fiscal accountability for client services, sustaining performance standards within the office, developing and implementing corrective action plans, shaping staff performance and holding staff accountable for performance, including issuing oral and written reprimands, resolution of case services decisions, constituent concerns, and client, caregivers, and providers complaints/concerns. This position has shared accountability with other Area Administrators for the implementation and accomplishments of state and regional goals and objectives; problem analysis and recommendations on course of action to executive leadership; policy development; implementation of state and regional training plans and achieving fiscal targets.

Some of what you will do:

• Manage, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of timely intakes, discovery, and CHET program.
• Lead supervisors, social services specialists, and administrative staff in accomplishing the department's purpose, which is to keep children and adolescents safe, safely reduce the number of children in need of out-of-home care, and strengthen and preserve family connections and their community ties so they can achieve safety, permanency, and well-being.
• Establish goals and objectives, develop performance standards, equip staff, develop section expectations, procedures and protocols, resolve problems and evaluate programs, supervisors and staff in the following: Child abuse and neglect intakes. Coordination and cooperation with law enforcement per regional protocols for complex investigations. Mentor/coach direct reports as well as other staff in human-centered practice and development of cultural awareness and humility in all interactions.
• Develop processes and structures to ensure intake calls are processed promptly.
• Ensure supervisors complete required quality assurance reviews. Ensure active efforts on seeking placement resources, and ensure those efforts are timely.
• Ensure Quality Assurance plans improve services in areas indicated through routine data review, feedback, and as recommended in case reviews.
• Ensure collaborative work between DCYF and all tribes to ensure services and support are delivered. Work in partnership with tribes to develop oversight and quality assurance procedures that ensure compliance with state and federal Indian Child Welfare statutes.
• Provide clinical guidance and consultation for complex screening decisions.
• Manage units and budget and manage program responsibilities within FTE allocation.
• Manage and maintain quality relationships with law enforcement, medical providers, schools, contracted providers, child advocates, courts, attorneys, and other community entities in Region 5.
• Implement effective processes that ensure timely, accurate, and complete delivery of Discovery services through the life of a case.
• Maintain close collaboration and partnership with DCYF HQ lead for statewide Discovery in the assessment of effectiveness and efficiency of Regional Discovery; provide training to staff and ongoing consultation to promote effectiveness and efficiency of regional Discovery staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Nine (9) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.

OR

• A Master's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field and five years of professional experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs

OR

• A Bachelor's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration, or a related field and seven years of professional experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of social and/or child welfare services programs

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 5 (SSS5).

AND

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

NOTE: *Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

NOTE: One (1) year of experience must also include supervision of professional staff in social service delivery.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

Utilizes cultural competency to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with clients, subordinate staff, and other individuals across cultures, focusing on understanding and respecting the strengths of the clients, including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication and learning styles.

• Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with law enforcement, courts, providers/vendors, community stakeholders, and with internal/external statewide professionals.
• Evaluates, compiles, and organizes data into reports and policies.
• Directs and evaluates the work of others.
• Understands, conceptualizes, structures, and administers quality assurance programs.
• Applies principles of child protection to a variety of complex family situations to lead staff in making decisions that keep children safe.
• Proven leadership skills in public speaking, mediation, negotiation, and planning.
• 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.
• Assessing and understanding complex casework options.
• Use of business applications and Child Welfare information computer systems.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• College Transcripts (if applicable). - Unofficial copy of transcripts 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 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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.

Must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within twelve months of initial 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.

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) 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.

2026-06387

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 your education and experience as they relate to this position?

• I have Nine (9) years of paid social service experience* AND I have completed 30 semesters or 45 quarter college credits in a Social Services discipline.
• I have a completed Master's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field and FIVE years of professional experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• I have a completed Bachelor's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration, or a related field and seven years of professional experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of social and/or child welfare services programs
• I have One (1) year of experience (or more) as a Social Service Specialist 5 (SSS5).
• I am already an Area Administrator with DCYF (WMS2).
• I have None of the above.

03

Please briefly describe how you meet the required qualifications for this position. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."

04

Paid social service experience MUST include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services AND One (1) year of experience must also include supervision of professional staff in social service delivery. Do you have this required experience?

• YES
• NO

05

How many years of experience do you have in providing direct services to children and families served through the public child welfare system?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
• I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
• I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
• I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
• I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
• I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
• I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
• I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
• I have MORE than 10 years of experience.

06

How many years of experience do you have with the following: Intake, CHET, or Discovery?

• I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
• I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
• I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
• I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
• I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
• I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
• I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
• I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
• I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
• I do not have this experience.

07

How many years of experience do you have working with state and federal laws and policies related to child welfare programs, principles, and practices?

• I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
• I have 1 - 2 years of experience.
• I have 2 - 3 years of experience.
• I have 3 - 4 years of experience.
• I have 4 - 5 years of experience.
• I have 5 - 6 years of experience.
• I have 6 - 7 years of experience.
• I have 7 - 8 years of experience.
• I have 8 - 9 years of experience.
• I have 9 - 10 years of experience.
• I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
• I do not have this experience.

08

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

09

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