Salary: $106,644.00 - $126,168.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 07/14/2025
Closing Date: 7/28/ :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 academically, nurtured by family and community."
Job Title: Public Records Officer (WMS02)
Location: Olympia, WA - This position is primarily remote, however, in-person meetings 1-2 days a week are required.
Closes: Monday, July 28th, 2025
Salary: $106,644 - $126,168 Annually
We are looking for a Public Records Officer (WMS2) to support the Department of Children, Youth, and Families' (DCYF) mission to "protect children and youth and strengthen families so they flourish" by ensuring the agency meets our requirement of the Public Records Act and is required by RCW . This position reports directly to the Information Governance Senior Administrator, who reports to the Assistant Director of Enterprise Risk Management.
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The Opportunity: In this role as a Public Records Officer, you will be DCYF's subject matter expert for the Public Records Act and ensure the agency is in compliance with its requirements. This position is responsible for leading the Public Disclosure Unit and ensures that staff process disclosure requests timely and accurately. As the incumbent in this position, you will be responsible for managing and providing strategic leadership and direction for policy, procedure, and execution of the Department's Public Disclosure Program.
This position requires long term strategic thinking, application of advanced management principles and skills, mastery of the laws related to public records and disclosure, and comprehensive policy development skills. Policies and procedures developed by this position have far reaching implications as they apply to all of DCYF. Program planning and direction, as well as integration of those policies throughout DCYF, require both strategic and tactical thinking. This position manages, monitors, and directs DCYF public records program across the department. The work of this position is essential to ensure transparency and accountability of the agency through compliance with public records laws.
This position manages a team of fifty staff who work with records that may be sensitive in nature.
Some of what you will do: - Coordinate all aspects of the compliance with the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
- Manage complex public records requests that involve fatalities, media requests, and court ordered subpoenas.
- Provide high level critical thinking in interpreting complex laws and court cases to ensure the records we exempt and redact are allowable under a statutory requirement.
- Manage and provide leadership and direction for policy, procedure, and execution of the Department's Public Disclosure Program.
- Provide leadership, train, direct, and oversee staff responsible for processing public record requests, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Serve as lead resource and subject matter expert to the Department's executive management, staff and the public regarding administration of public records request processes.
- Responsible for the team culture that engages staff to be innovative in program processes and build a culture that supports change.
- Provide leadership to the public disclosure unit so that they can bring their best selves to work.
- Responsible for the recruitment and retention of staff.
- Provide feedback to staff so that they can meet expectations and can understand their role and how they individually contribute to the agency's overall success.
Required qualifications: - Equivalent education/experience totaling eleven (11) years of public disclosure knowledge, working with privacy and confidentiality laws, or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes three (3) years of supervision and directing the activities and performance of others.
OR
- A bachelor's degree AND seven (7) years of public disclosure knowledge, working with privacy and confidentiality laws, or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, AND three (3) years of supervision and directing the activities and performance of others.
OR
- A master's degree or juris doctorate degree from accredited law school, AND five (5) years of public disclosure knowledge, working with privacy and confidentiality laws, or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, AND three (3) years of supervision and directing the activities and performance of others.
AND
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.
This position requires the following competencies:
- Proven expertise in the Public Records Act, along with its privacy requirements, principles, and processes.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience complying with federal and state laws and requirements on administrative reviews, privacy, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of staff from all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated experience successfully managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Demonstrated experience planning, directing, and overseeing the activities of others to achieve program goals.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communications appropriately to the audience.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information using effective communication tools and strong.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies. It is preferred that this position has the following knowledge, competencies and/or experience in:
- Experience in facilitating workshops and groups of people that have diverse backgrounds and needs, and in subject areas that may be unfamiliar.
- Ability to synthesize complex information using effective communication tools and strong technical, written, visualization and conceptualization skills with attention to detail and consistency.
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to different surroundings.
- Knowledge of DCYF programs and services.
- Work collaboratively and professionally with peers, other DCYF personnel, stakeholders and other agencies.
- Independently plan, organize, and implement assigned tasks.
- Proficiency in problem solving, data collection and analysis, metric development, and process mapping.
- Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
- Obtain and interpret information from a broad array of resources, including reports, laws, regulations, records, and so forth, from a wide variety of locations inside and outside the department.
How do I apply? In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
- Cover Letter
- Resume (current/updated)
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 maybe used to fill multiple vacancies.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference
MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please blackout (redact)the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, .
If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at or email
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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 .
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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated
01
Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position?Your response should be reflective of the information in your application.
- I have equivalent education/experience totaling eleven (11) years of public disclosure knowledge, working with privacy and confidentiality laws, or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes three (3) years of supervision and directing the activities and performance of others.
- I have a bachelor's degree AND seven (7) years of public disclosure knowledge, working with privacy and confidentiality laws, or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, AND three (3) years of supervision and directing the activities and performance of others.
- A masters degree or juris doctorate degree from accredited law school, AND five (5) years of public disclosure knowledge, working with privacy and confidentiality laws, or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, AND three (3) years of supervision and directing the activities and performance of others.
- I have none of the above.
02
Briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous question. 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 leadership, training, directing, and overseeing staff responsible for processing public record requests, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures?
- I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
- I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
- I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
- I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
- I have nine (9) to ten (10) years or more of this experience.
- I have ten (10) or MORE years of this experience.
- I have none of the above.
04
Briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous question. 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 working with a diverse group of staff from all levels of an organization?
- I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
- I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
- I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
- I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
- I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have none of the above.
06
Briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous question. 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."
07
If claiming veteran's preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?
08
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?
- Washington State's career website:
- 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
