Salary: $97,469.00 - $121,836.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: CW Field Operations - Region 5
Opening Date: 09/19/2025
Closing Date: 9/26/ :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: Child Welfare Area Administrator (WMS2)
Location: Tacoma, WA. Region 5 - This CW Area Administrator position is for the Parkland Field Office; the office is physically located in Tacoma (1949 South State Street, Tacoma, Washington). Travel within the region and state is required. Occasional national travel may be required.
Closes: 09/26/2025
Salary: $97,469 - $121,836 Annually.
We are looking for a Child Welfare Area Administrator (WMS2) to provide leadership and management of the Parkland Field Office. Within the DCYF Child Welfare Division, the Child Welfare Area Administrator reports to the Regional Administrator within Region 5 and supervises child welfare division employees within Tacoma. If you have proven leadership skills and want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, apply today and join our supportive and amazing team in Region 5!
Click here to learn more about .
The Opportunity: This position leads a team of child welfare employees to implement a full range of child welfare programs within a designated geographical area. The result will be effective deployment of child welfare employees via established standards to protect children and enable families to flourish. The Area Administrator will administer and oversee the delivery of regional child welfare programs and services, including but not limited to Child Protective Services (including CPS investigations and FAR), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Indian Child Welfare Services (ICW), and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS). As a member of the DCYF extended management team, this position supports Child Welfare development, oversees case-carrying social service specialists, and implements policies, procedures, and protocols regarding child welfare practice.
Some of what you'll do: - Manage and mentor supervisors.
- Manage workforce development.
- Manage the recruitment and hiring of employees in coordination with supervisors.
- Establish goals and objectives, develop performance standards, equip staff, develop expectations and procedures, resolve problems, and evaluate supervisors and staff in program areas.
- Develop training plans to ensure all staff have the skills and information necessary to make appropriate decisions for child safety, permanency, and well-being.
- Develop and monitor corrective action plans.
- Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal standards and policies.
- Monitor regional and statewide performance measures; ensure office staff meet performance measures and casework practice as required by performance standards, law, policy, and other mandates.
- Identify, analyze, and communicate problems, concerns, and barriers.
- Develop and monitor interventions; communicate with the Regional Administrator and make recommendations.
- Ensure timely completion of employee evaluations.
- Ensure work is distributed equitably and resources are adjusted to meet business and client needs.
- Respond and manage critical incidents, ensuring client, provider, and staff safety.
- Report critical incidents through the Administrative Incident Reporting System (AIRS) and notify the chain of command in high-profile situations.
- Provide guidance and consultation to staff on case management, legal services, and permanency decisions.
- Guide the office to fully integrate the agency's efforts on racial equity, social justice, non-discrimination, and reduction in disproportionality in all areas of practice and conduct.
- Guide the implementation of Indian Child Welfare practices per ICWA and WICWA expectations.
- Consult with and guide staff on resources and case management that are culturally appropriate, linguistically responsive, and ADA-compliant.
- Provide guidance and consultation on federal policy directives, guidelines, and laws, including Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), Title IVB, Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) requirements, Title IV-E federal requirements, Multi-Ethnic Placement Act/Interethnic Adoption Provisions (MEPA/IEAP),
Adam Walsh Act, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Adoption Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS), State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)/Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS), DS lawsuit settlement agreement, and other polices designed to improve the
child welfare system. - Manage and maintain quality relationships with tribes, law enforcement, medical providers, schools, contracted providers, child advocates, courts, attorneys, and other community entities.
- Respond promptly to client, caregiver, Ombuds, constituent, stakeholder, and community concerns regarding child safety and case planning.
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 services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Four (4) years of paid social service 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 services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Five (5) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 5.
AND Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.
*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 include the supervision of professional staff in social service delivery.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: - 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 wellbeing 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:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- College Transcripts - an unofficial copy is acceptable for the application.
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 applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.
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
: If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact 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, 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated
01
Please select from the choices below how you qualify for this position.
- I have Nine (9) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
- I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Four (4) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
- I have a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, orBachelor's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Five (5) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
- I have One (1) year of experience (or more) as a Social Service Specialist 5.
- I have none of the above.
02
Please briefly describe how you meet the required qualifications in the previous question.
03
Paid social service experience MUST include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Do you have this required experience?
- Yes, I have this experience.
- No, I do not have this experience.
04
Do you have One (1) year of experience that included supervision of professional staff in social service delivery?
- Yes, I have this experience.
- No, I do not have this experience.
05
Explain your leadership style, and describe your professional experience in supervising others, or managing teams in the social services field. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
06
DCYF (For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?
- Yes
- No
- Does not apply to me
07
Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?
08
DCYF- 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 applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
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
