Grievance Resolution Coordinator - Program Specialist 3 (PS3) - Chehalis

State of Washington; Chehalis (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families seeks a Grievance Resolution Coordinator at Green Hill School in Chehalis. You will lead the restorative-justice program, coordinate activities, and support youth with a fair grievance process.

Strong communication and crisis-management skills are required. Minimum qualifications include six years in juvenile rehabilitation or an Associates degree with relevant experience, plus the ability to work with diverse youth and staff.

Qualifications

• Six years of progressively increasing responsibilities in a juvenile rehabilitation/justice or correctional setting.
• Associates degree or higher and four years in juvenile rehabilitation/correctional setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of juvenile rehabilitation/restorative justice practices.
• Ability to establish rapport with diverse backgrounds and staffs.
• Clear and calm communication under crisis conditions.
• Demonstrated understanding of juvenile rehabilitation/restorative justice practices and principles.
• Competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, manage, and coordinate all aspects of the Grievance Resolution Program and activities.
• Meet with youth to open lines of communication and show good faith for early resolutions.
• Review statements, records, and complaints related to each instance of reported retaliation.
• Provide Grievance Resolution Program data monthly to the Appointing Authority.
• Recognize and report concerning trends to the Superintendent/designee.
• Explain applicable laws, rules, and policies to staff and youth.
• Interpret and explain applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures and WACs and RCWs where applicable.
• Manage a grievance model with a neutral position and zero tolerance for any bias.
• Promote staff awareness and education.
• Serve as a resource for reviewers, managers, and staff for Grievance Resolution related questions and issues.
• Respond to the Ombuds or ATG and affiliated parties for requests for information and records, sign affidavits, and attend meetings as requested.
• Work with young people and staff to resolve complaints at the lowest level defining the needs and planning for the Grievance Resolution Program.
• Manage and oversee all Grievance Resolution documentation that is stored securely.

Skills

Experience in juvenile justice

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Crisis management

Restorative justice

Education

Associates degree or higher

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job 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: Grievance Resolution Coordinator - Program Specialist 3 (PS3)

Location: Chehalis, WA. Work is full time, on-site at Green Hill School

Closes: Sunday, October 18, 2026

Salary: $59,760 - $80,496 Yearly. The salary does not include an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Grievance Resolution Coordinator at Green Hill School to maintain a fair and transparent process for young people to voice their concerns. Green Hill School is a maximum-security Juvenile Rehabilitation residential facility that provides comprehensive services to young people. Our objective is to maintain a secure, therapeutic environment that provides young people with the information, skills, and motivation to succeed once they return to their community.

The ideal candidate has good verbal and written communication skills and is adept at establishing trust and rapport with others. Come work with an amazing team of dedicated professionals, invest your time and talent, and make a difference.

You will facilitate, direct, and implement all aspects of the JR Grievance Program using a restorative justice approach that aims to build a safe and supportive community within Green Hill School where everyone shares responsibility, harms are repaired, and relationships between staff and young people are strengthened. You will contribute to the department’s mission to work alongside Washington’s vulnerable youth to foster safety, stability, and better outcomes by strengthening opportunities, connections and community. This includes providing education and training to, and communication with young people and staff.

Some Of What You Will Do

• Oversee, manage, and coordinate all aspects of the Grievance Resolution Program and activities.
• Attempt early resolutions by meeting with the young people, when possible, to open lines of communication and to show good faith in resolving concerns at the lowest level possible.
• Review individual statements, disciplinary materials, written messages, notes, or complaints, health records, video evidence, and staff communications related to each instance of reported retaliation.
• Provide Grievance Resolution Program data to the Appointing Authority monthly, reflecting active resolutions by the date assigned, level, and reviewer assigned.
• Recognize and immediately report/address concerning trends/causality factors with the Superintendent/designee.
• Track active reviews to ensure administrative responses are timely.
• Interpret and explain applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures and WACs and RCWs where applicable and details information accordingly for both staff and young people.
• Manage a grievance model with a neutral position and zero tolerance for any bias.
• Promote staff awareness and education.
• Serve as a resource for reviewers, managers, and staff for Grievance Resolution related questions and issues regarding emergent requests/situations.
• Respond to the Ombuds or ATG and anyone else affiliated/required, for requests for information and records, sign affidavits, and attend meetings as requested.
• Work with young people and staff to resolve complaints at the lowest level defining the needs and planning for the Grievance Resolution Program.
• Manage and oversee all Grievance Resolution documentation that is stored securely.

Required Qualifications

Six years of progressively increasing responsibilities in a juvenile rehabilitation/justice or correctional setting.

OR An Associates degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent, AND Four years of progressively increasing responsibilities in a juvenile rehabilitation/justice or correctional setting.

AND

• 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:

• Bachelor degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent, AND four years of progressively increasing responsibilities in a juvenile rehabilitation/justice or correctional setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of juvenile rehabilitation/restorative justice practices and principles.
• Competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.
• Ability to obtain pertinent information during interviews, apply rules, regulations and procedures, appraise situations, and remain calm and in control in crisis situations and de- elate situations.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, establish and maintain effective working relationships with wide range and level of staff and others and establish rapport and gain confidence of young people.

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 goal 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.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be 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, 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, 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 Veteran's 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.

08058

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