MERIT System Navigator (MA3) - Olympia

MERIT System Navigator (MA3) - Olympia

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-09050

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Early Learning Division

Opening Date

11/03/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026 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."

Dual Language: The ability to pass a Somali language certification test through DCYF is required to be eligible for this position. There is an additional 5% assignment pay for dual language based on the successful completion of the Language Certification Test.

Job Title: MERIT System Navigator (MA3)

Location: Olympia, WA - The official duty station for this position is Olympia, WA. This position is currently designated as a telework position. Employees must be willing and able to report to a local DCYF office when needed to support agency business needs, including IT or equipment support.

Closes: Tuesday, November 17th, 2026

Salary: $61,332 - $82,440 Annually

Are you passionate about helping others navigate complex systems and access the resources they need to succeed? Join DCYFs Early Learning Division as a MERIT System Navigator and become part of a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to expanding opportunities for children, families, and child care providers across Washington. In this role, you will serve as a trusted resource for the early learning workforce by providing individualized support, technical assistance, and guidance that helps those who serve children, youth, and families successfully access and navigate DCYF programs and systems.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

As a MERIT System Navigator, you will provide holistic and comprehensive support services to the early learning workforce by delivering individualized consultation and one-on-one technical assistance related to DCYF programs, policies, and systems. You will help implement a seamless provider support experience by connecting users with appropriate resources, troubleshooting system and program-related questions, and guiding providers through complex processes. This role also evaluates support needs and trends to inform long-term planning, program development, and system improvements.

This position serves a diverse population that includes many individuals whose primary language is Somali and who may have limited English proficiency. As a key resource within the program area, you will provide oral and written language assistance in Somali and English, including interpreting, translating, interviewing, reviewing documentation, and obtaining information from clients. Through these efforts, you will help improve access to services and strengthen support for the workforce that serves children, youth, and families throughout Washington.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Implement program policy for internal and external providers and stakeholders regarding state or federal guidelines and clarification about interconnection with professional development policy and procedures.
• Implement procedure, tools, and processes for DCYF systems and recommend changes to program policies.
• Anticipate potential conflict and programmatic barriers and attempts to provide direction and resolution before problems occur.
• Process systems applications necessary to determine eligibility to incentive and awards.
• Review individual qualifications and program performance standards to support an individual plan; evaluates and consults with staff and outside entities to explore solutions and alternatives based on program policy and DCYF recognized alternatives to meet the goals and objectives of the program.
• Implement and monitors professional development policy, procedures, and protocols that interface with the professional development program and workforce registry.
• Responsible for complex technical guidance to DCYF agency staff regarding the workforce registry and learning management system.
• Implement training for agency staff and new staff on the workforce registry.
• Implement professional development policy and intersect between the professional development team and other agency business teams and external partners.
• Implement state, federal and agency policy, with emphasis on intersects between DCYF policy, professional development policy, other DCYF business area policy and workforce registry data.
• Analysis of data reports to respond to quality assurance checks associated to trainings, state-approved trainers, and professional development contract deliverables.
• Prepare source data for analysis, information, recommending priorities and procedures that interface with the workforce registry (MERIT), and the DCYF external Training portal (LMS).
• Process user and account documents by reviewing data for deficiencies; resolving discrepancies by using standard procedures.
• Maintain training reports, accesses the professional development team's learning management system to complete data checks, completion reports and inputting data when needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government, demonstrating progressively responsible roles and achievements.

OR

• Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

OR

• An Associate degree and four (4) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

AND

• Three (3) years of experience providing technical assistance to clients/constituents or customer support regarding inquiries, complaints or requests for assistance.
• 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, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• In-depth knowledge of the early learning field and DCYF's involvement and responsibilities in supporting early learning professionals.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge of child care licensing program policies, early childhood education, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge and experience working with professional development registries and/or web-based data systems.
• Proven effectiveness working collaboratively with a team.
• Previous demonstrated experience writing procedures, handbooks, and general communication documents.
• Previous demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple projects, with accuracy.
• Previous demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications

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:

• Resume (current/updated)
• Cover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position)

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.

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

Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in both English and Somali for providing interpretation and translation to clients. Incumbent must be certified and proficient and able to provide certification to perform duty. Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of the 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.

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

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.

2026-09050

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 your education and experience as it relates to this position?

• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government, demonstrating progressively responsible roles and achievements.
• Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
• Associate degree and four (4) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
• I have none of the above.

02

Based on your response to the previous question, briefly describe how you meet the qualification option you selected. Include the employer(s), position title(s), and relevant experience or education. The information you provide should be reflected in your application. Do not type "See resume" or "See application." If you selected "No experience," type "N/A."

03

How many years of experience providing technical assistance to clients/constituents or customer support regarding inquiries, complaints or requests for assistance?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have under three (3) years of this experience.
• I have three (3) to five (5) years of this experience.
• I have more than five (5) years of this experience.

04

Which of the following best describes your experience providing technical assistance related to policies, procedures, systems, or program requirements?

• No Experience - (I have not provided technical assistance related to policies, procedures, systems, or program requirements.)
• Limited Experience - (I have provided basic information or assistance but generally referred complex questions to others.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly provide technical assistance and answer questions regarding policies, procedures, systems, or program requirements.)
• Advanced Experience - (I independently provide technical assistance on complex policies, procedures, and system issues, including researching and resolving unusual situations.)
• Expert Experience - (I am recognized as a subject matter expert and routinely resolve complex issues, interpret policy, and provide guidance to others.)

05

Which of the following best describes your experience managing a high-volume workload involving repetitive customer inquiries received through email inboxes, ticketing systems, phone calls, or voicemail?

• No Experience - (I have not worked in a high-volume customer service or technical assistance environment.)
• Limited Experience - (I have occasionally responded to customer inquiries but have not regularly managed a high-volume workload.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly respond to a high volume of inquiries while following established procedures and meeting service expectations.)
• Advanced Experience - (I routinely manage a high-volume workload, prioritize competing requests, maintain accuracy, and provide consistent customer support.)
• Expert Experience - (I excel in fast-paced, high-volume environments, efficiently managing large numbers of inquiries while maintaining exceptional customer service, accuracy, and productivity.)

06

Which of the following best describes your experience interpreting and applying state, federal, or agency policies, procedures, laws, or regulations?

• No Experience - (I have not interpreted or applied policies, laws, regulations, or procedures.)
• Limited Experience - (I have reviewed policies or procedures but have had limited responsibility for applying them.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly interpret and apply policies and procedures to make decisions or provide guidance.)
• Advanced Experience - (I independently interpret complex policies and regulations and provide guidance to others.)
• Expert Experience - (I am recognized as a subject matter expert in policy interpretation and implementation and regularly advise others on complex requirements.)

07

Which of the following best describes your experience working with workforce registries, learning management systems, web-based databases, or other complex data systems?

• No Experience - (I have not worked with workforce registries, learning management systems, or similar databases.)
• Limited Experience - (I have used data systems for basic tasks with guidance or training.)
• Working Experience - (I independently use data systems to review, enter, maintain, and update information.)
• Advanced Experience - (I troubleshoot issues, analyze system data, and assist users with complex questions and system navigation.)
• Expert Experience - (I serve as a subject matter expert on system functionality, data integrity, troubleshooting, and user support.)

08

Which of the following best describes your experience reviewing data, conducting quality assurance activities, analyzing reports, or identifying trends to improve programs or services?

• No Experience - (I have not performed data analysis or quality assurance activities.)
• Limited Experience - (I have reviewed data or reports but had limited responsibility for analysis or quality assurance.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly review reports, identify discrepancies, and support quality assurance efforts.)
• Advanced Experience - (I analyze data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to processes, procedures, or services.)
• Expert Experience - (I lead quality assurance efforts, perform complex analyses, and use data to inform program decisions and system improvements.)

09

Are you fluent in reading, writing, and speaking both English and Somali?

• Yes
• No

10

This is a dual language (Somali/English) position. Successful completion of the required dual language proficiency assessment and certification within six (6) months of employment is required. Are you willing and able to satisfy this requirement?

• Yes
• No

11

If claiming veterans preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or Predischarge Certification validating service type and discharge.

• Yes - DD214/NGB22
• Yes - Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).
• N/A

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 Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• Handshake
• 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