QA/CQI Area Administrator (WMS2) - Region 5
Salary
$99,418.00 - $124,272.00 Annually
Location
Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Job Number
2026-05270
Department
Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division
CW Field Operations - Region 5
Opening Date
07/01/2026
Closing Date
7/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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: QA/CQI Area Administrator (WMS2).
Location: Tacoma, WA - Region 5. Pierce and Kitsap Counties. This hybrid schedule allows for some teleworking options. Travel within the Region and State is required. Occasional National travel may be required.
Closes: 07/15/2026
Salary: $99,418 - $124,272 Annually.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking for an Area Administrator to lead our amazing Region 5 Quality Assurance/Continuous Quality Improvement (QA/CQI) team, which includes five field offices encompassing two counties (Pierce and Kitsap) in Western Washington. The Administrator must possess broad knowledge of child welfare programs and practices such as Child Protection, Family Assessment Response, Child and Family Welfare Services, Adoptions, Voluntary Services, and Adolescent Services. The Area Administrator should possess knowledge of management principles, adult learning principles, and the skills to assess and address staff and community needs. If you want to help ensure the integrity of child welfare practices and advance your child welfare career in a leadership/supervisory role, apply today.
Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
This position reports directly to the Regional Administrator and implements the region's vision, goals, and improvement strategies for improving child welfare performance and outcomes in every office and program; and assures staff understands how to utilize data and CQI processes to strengthen child welfare practices and improve child safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes. This position supports field offices by working directly with administrators, supervisors, and staff and by deploying the Region 5 QA/CQI team to support units and provide one-on-one supports to new and existing staff. The QA/CQI Administrator is a member of the Region 5 leadership team and provides primary and secondary supervision for assigned FTEs, interns, and volunteers within the QA/CQI team. The Regional QA/CQI Administrator supports two counties, five full-service Child Welfare Offices, Regional adoptions/court services, intake services, centralized services, and other regional programs within Region 5. Included are 3 federally recognized Tribes and Native American families. The Area Administrator represents the region on the statewide QA/CQI team and contributes to statewide initiatives and planning. As a leader of the Regional QA/CQI team, this position provides leadership and supervisory oversight to other QA/CQI staff. The incumbent provides training, coaching, support, guidance, and follow-up on data, reports, direction, and consultation on all performance areas assigned to DCYF Field Operations.
Some of what you will do:
Required Qualifications:
OR
OR
AND
Other Required Experience and Competencies:
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
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.
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.
2026-05270
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 they relate to this position?
02
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."
03
How many years of experience do you have in providing direct services to children and families served through the public child welfare system?
04
Do you have experience in Quality Assurance/Continuous Quality Improvement (QA/CQI)?
05
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of knowledge and understanding of child welfare programs and practices such as Child Protection, Family Assessment Response, Child and Family Welfare Services, Adoptions, Voluntary Services, and Adolescent Services?
06
How many years of professional work experience do you have in supervision and/or management in Social Services, Mental Health, or Education?
07
In a couple of sentences, please briefly describe how/where you gained this supervisory/management experience indicated in the previous questions. (i.e., do you have this experience in Social Services, Mental Health, or Education? 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."
08
Two years of the required paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units) and one year of training experience. Do you have this experience?
09
How many years of experience do you have working with state and federal laws and policies related to child welfare programs, principles, and practices?
10
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?
11
DCYF - How did you hear about this job opportunity?
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