Background Check Specialist (Ma3) - Statewide

Description

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

We're looking for a Background Check Specialist (Management Analyst 3) to join the Background Checks unit. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy— thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:
DCYF conducts approximately 80,000 background checks annually for child welfare, employees, early learning, and juvenile rehabilitation. The Background Check Specialist conducts complex research and analysis of background check records in order to determine who can have unsupervised access to children and youth. This individual will have a strong ability to formulate recommendations based on interpreting and analyzing background information and determine an individual’s conduct and character. The Background Check Specialist has a very important, direct impact on child safety for young people across the State of Washington. If you think this may be the position for you, we encourage you to apply today and join us at DCYF!

Some of what you will do:

• Complete background checks to mitigate risk to children and departments, or disruption of out-of-home placements.
• Provide technical expertise and consultation with DCYF caseworkers, contract managers, licensors, supervisors, managers, and AAG staff regarding background check processes, outcomes, and risks.
• Analyze and interpret background information from criminal and child abuse databases and registries.
• Provide guidance to applicants to correct criminal history record information or findings of abuse.
• Interpret background information to resolve complex issues, recognizing that charges may vary by state and carry different classifications.
• Process background checks and out-of-state child abuse and neglect history checks for child welfare, early learning, and National Crime Information Center purposes.
• Identify missing information from FamLink while conducting research before issuing a final determination.
• Administer background checks for individuals requesting unsupervised access to children.
• Advise and train applicants, staff, and stakeholders regarding department background check processes and requirements.
• Identify patterns in potential criminal activity and make determinations about the impact on child safety.

What we are looking for:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field AND three years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
OR
Associate’s degree AND five years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
OR
High school graduation or equivalent AND seven years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
OR
An equivalent combination of relevant education/experience totaling seven years.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Forms and/or records management.
• Ability to communicate with management peers, clients, external partners, and the public effectively, clearly, and concisely.
• Understanding of agency policies, WAC, RCW, and federal laws related to background checks and child abuse and neglect history check requirements.
• Helping customers regarding inquiries, complaints, or problems.
• Ability to apply and interpret laws, policies, and procedures, and use good judgment when evaluating and making decisions.
• Ability to partner with clients to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Previous experience in:
  • Forms and/or records management.
  • Helping customers regarding inquiries, complaints, or problems.
  • Understanding of agency policies, WAC, RCW, and federal laws related to background checks and child abuse and neglect history check requirements.
  • Ability to communicate with management peers, clients, external partners, and the public effectively, clearly, and concisely.
  • Ability to partner with clients to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
  • Ability to develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with clients, coworkers, and external partners.
  • Ability to apply and interpret laws, policies, and procedures, and use good judgment when evaluating and making decisions.
• Experience reading and interpreting Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Records of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) documents.
• Ability to develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with clients, coworkers, and external partners.
• Ability to apply and interpret laws, policies, and procedures, and use good judgment when evaluating and making decisions.

How do I apply?
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following:

• Current resume detailing experience and education
• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

Supplemental Information:
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 is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

To take advantage of the Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the Recruitment team at [email protected] If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email [email protected].

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