Quality Assurance & Systems Strategist (MA5) - Olympia

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy— thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community."

You will review data, identify practice trends, present key findings to leadership, and help shape training, policy, and field implementation related to FFPSA eligibility, prevention planning, and evidence-based practices. Collaboration is central to this role, working closely with regional leadership, field staff, tribal partners, service providers, courts, and the Child Welfare Leadership Team to address barriers, elevate strengths, and ensure fidelity to FFPSA requirements.

This position also supports DCYF’s long-term system development efforts, including CCWIS integration and federal reporting needs, helping safeguard Title IV-E prevention revenue through strong QA/CQI processes, compliance monitoring, case reviews, and change management activities.

• Lead the development, use and implementation of culturally grounded QA and CQI tools.
• Collaborate with Tribal Nations and culturally proximate community-based organizations to ensure QA and CQI practices reflect community values and service intent.
• Ensure data collection processes are respectful and align with tribal data sovereignty.
• Lead the development and use of culturally grounded QA and CQI tools.
• Collect and analyze QA and CQI data aligned with the goals of the Family First implementation efforts as well as aligned with performance-based contracting (PBC) quality and outcome indicators.
• Establish a CQI frameworks that incorporates both quantitative (e.g. referral and completion rates, family outcomes, timeliness of services etc.) and qualitative (e.g. interviews, staff/provider reflections, storytelling etc.) data.
• Design and implement feedback loops to ensure data is shared back with community-based organizations, service providers and community partners in a transparent and meaningful way with the purpose of supporting program improvement.
• Collaborate with program leads to facilitate regular CQI cycles with community-based pathway serving organizations, service providers and others to review data, celebrate successes, identify barriers, and come together to create solutions for improvement and ongoing support.
• Assist in developing strategies for scaling and sustaining effective culturally responsive services, ensuring lessons learned from pilot projects are integrated into broader system improvements.
• Utilize QA/CQI activities and data collection to support child welfare and community-based pathway implementation efforts.
• Provide support and ongoing technical assistance to community-based organizations and service providers, with a focus on culturally grounded QA/CQI expectations.
• Provide subject matter expertise, guidance and leadership for the successful implementation of FFPSA program requirements with DCYF staff across Agency and through community-based pathway organizations, providers and Tribal nations.
• Conduct complex analysis and engages internal and external stakeholders to develop and advise policies and strategies related to statewide practice.
• Developing, planning and conducting assessments, case and program reviews.
• Tracks and analyzes performance data and analysis for compliance and program outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field AND five (5) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the following areas:
  • Conducting research
  • Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
  • Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
  • Leading business projects
  • Managing business operations
  • Business policy development
  • Supervising

• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling nine (9) years in the above noted areas.

• 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:

• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
• Previous experience implementing Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement strategies within service delivery.
• Previous experience with strong verbal and written skills using a partnership approach, listening skills and multi-faceted communication strategies.
• Previous demonstrated computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Track record of taking initiative, follow-though, maintaining flexibility and a willingness to learn and promote racial equity.
• Previous demonstrated experience with work independently and managing programs or projects.
• Exhibits a relentless commitment to anti-racism and addressing diversity, disproportionality and inequity in child and family-serving systems.
• Experience with DCYF child welfare programs and policies.
• Experience collaborating with community partners, local governments, providers, and executive leaders.
• A demonstrated willingness to be innovative, persistent, and client centered.
• In-depth knowledge of program areas managed including:
  • Culturally responsive services & programming
  • The tools and supports needed to effectively address equity driven outcomes.
  • Program and contract performance evaluation methods, quality assurance, data interpretation, including monitoring and tracking budgets and expenditures.
  • Quality assurance and program evaluation methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in accessing all information in the data management system.
• Previous experience with state and federal statutes and WACs related to FFPSA, child protection, confidentiality, and child welfare.

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

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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:

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).

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's 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.