Rachel Colthorp
Port Angeles,WA
Summary
Public sector leader with over 18 years of experience in service delivery, program leadership, team supervision, financial oversight, and partnership development across healthcare, social services, education, and community organizations. Demonstrated success in coordinating complex programs, enhancing operational performance, managing resources, and fostering stakeholder relationships to drive system-level change in rural and underserved areas. Entrepreneurial background as a healthcare practitioner and small business owner, overseeing budgeting, compliance, staffing, strategic planning, vendor relations, and customer engagement. Proficient in public health communications and technical writing, effectively translating complex health information for diverse audiences; Master of Public Health candidate, graduating June 2026, with expertise in program evaluation and evidence-based decision-making.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Service Specialist
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
11.2023 - Current
- Triage and process calls reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, and other child welfare concerns, ensuring compliance with legal and policy requirements to safeguard child welfare.
- Conduct structured interviews with reporters to gather detailed information, ask clarifying questions, and assess child safety, risk, and protective factors.
- Apply critical thinking to make accurate screening decisions regarding emergent versus non-emergent responses, often under urgent time constraints.
- Perform collateral contacts and comprehensive data searches across state and federal systems (e.g., DAPS, ACES, DOH, SCOMIS, SEMS, RSO registries) to verify client history and identify safety risks.
- Document case information and assessments in FamLink, creating accurate records that support investigative and legal processes.
- Consulted with supervisors on emergent cases requiring immediate field response and coordinated with law enforcement, tribal partners, and medical professionals.
- Acted as point of contact for families and community members, providing professional, empathetic, and culturally competent support in high-stress situations.
Freelance Technical Writer - Nutraceuticals & Holistic Healthcare
Independent Contractor
Remote
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Researched, wrote, and edited technical content for nutraceutical companies and holistic healthcare providers.
- Produced clear and engaging technical writing that enhanced client online presence and attracted target audience engagement.
- Developed technical training modules translating complex scientific information into accessible materials.
- Ghostwrote sections of books and long-form content, ensuring client voice and scientific accuracy aligned with target audience expectations.
- Applied SEO strategies to digital content, boosting visibility and improving organic search rankings for client websites.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts and marketing teams to ensure compliance with brand strategy.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing deadlines and client expectations.
- Edited documents for clarity, grammar, and formatting before final publication.
Owner/Operator
GoJuice Enterprises LLC
Port Angeles, WA
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Founded and managed a mobile food business, overseeing all aspects of operations, including strategic planning, permitting/compliance, staffing, inventory, and customer service.
- Coordinated fixed-site operations and event participation, adapting to high-demand environments and shifting priorities to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Handled budgeting, purchasing, and vendor management, ensuring cost efficiency and reliable supply chains.
- Trained and supervised staff, managing scheduling and workflow to optimize operational efficiency.
- Balanced multiple demands simultaneously, problem-solving in real time to resolve equipment issues, customer concerns, or event logistics.
- Built strong relationships with community members, vendors, and event organizers, strengthening local presence and repeat business.
- Implemented marketing strategies, including social media and promotional advertising, to effectively attract and retain customers.
Social Service Specialist 5: After-Hours Supervisor & Foster Care Rate Assessment Supervisor
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
07.2018 - 11.2021
- Directed the FCRA program, ensuring timely, accurate, and equitable foster care reimbursement determinations by monitoring assessments and providing staff coaching.
- Supervised regional after-hours program and foster care rate assessment (FCRA) unit, overseeing staff performance, scheduling, and quality assurance to enhance service delivery.
- Balanced emergency after-hours crisis response with ongoing program supervision, showcasing adaptability and leadership in managing high workloads across multiple programs.
- Coordinated with foster parents and placement staff to resolve disputes and ensure compliance with state guidelines, fostering positive relationships and improving documentation accuracy.
- Provided training and mentoring for FCRA specialists on standardized processes, assessment criteria, and professional engagement with foster parents.
- Partnered with program managers, licensing staff, and foster care providers to identify systemic challenges and streamline the assessment workflow.
Acupuncturist - Owner/Practitioner
Angeles Acupuncture
Port Angeles, WA
03.2004 - 11.2021
- Operated a successful private acupuncture and integrative medicine practice, providing patient-centered care across diverse populations.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, and delivered care for chronic pain, stress, and complex health conditions.
- Educated patients on holistic health practices, integrating evidence-based approaches with traditional medicine to enhance overall well-being.
- Oversaw business operations, streamlining scheduling, billing, and compliance processes to ensure efficient practice management.
- Built and maintained strong therapeutic relationships with patients, achieving high rates of return visits and patient referrals.
- Collaborated with other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care and holistic support for patients.
- Created marketing and outreach strategies that expanded patient base and supported long-term practice sustainability.
Social Service Specialist 4: Adult Protective Services Supervisor
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
07.2017 - 04.2018
- Supervised team of investigators addressing reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults in Clallam and Jefferson Counties, enhancing community safety.
- Spearheaded the development of the Clallam County Vulnerable Adult Task Force, bringing together law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney's office, EMS, fire departments, hospitals, developmental disability services, long-term care providers, advocates, and protected payees.
- Developed and maintained cross-agency partnerships, positioning task force as a model for collaborative responses to protect vulnerable adults.
- Developed and implemented a multi-agency response framework, improving coordination, information-sharing, and timely interventions for at-risk adults.
- Oversaw crisis response and investigation workflows, ensuring compliance with APS policies and state laws.
- Provided coaching, training, and performance evaluations for staff to strengthen investigative skills and improve case outcomes.
Social Service Specialist 5: Child Protective Services After-Hours Supervisor
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
11.2013 - 06.2017
- Selected as the first supervisor hired to establish the regional After-Hours Program, covering 15 offices and 13 counties.
- Directed emergency child welfare response operations during nights, weekends, and holidays, often managing multiple simultaneous crises requiring placements, medical intervention, and law enforcement coordination.
- Directed regional crisis response independently during nights, weekends, and holidays, effectively managing operations with minimal oversight.
- Designed and implemented standardized communication policies and procedures to ensure seamless handoffs between daytime and after-hours staff.
- Recruited, hired, scheduled, and trained supervisors and frontline staff, building a dependable workforce for statewide emergency coverage.
- Responded personally to field emergencies within a 100-mile radius when staff were unavailable, including child transport and emergent placement coordination.
- Completed 99% of intake evaluations and responses within statutory time frames, ensuring compliance and timely protection for children.
- Recognized by the Port Angeles Police Department and by Children's Administration for dedication, responsiveness, and being a trusted partner to colleagues and community stakeholders.
Social Service Specialist 3: Multiple Positions
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
06.2007 - 11.2013
- Investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect (CPS), conducting interviews, risk and safety assessments, and home visits to ensure child well-being.
- Developed individualized case plans with families, balancing reunification efforts with child safety, permanency, and well-being goals.
- Coordinated Family Voluntary Services (FVS) to strengthen parenting capacity, prevent removal, and maintain family unity for children's safety.
- Managed Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) caseloads to facilitate permanency planning, court-related casework, and continuous family support.
- Prepared legal documents, collaborated with agency attorneys, and provided expert testimony in court.
- Conducted supervised family and sibling visitations, arranged placements, and transported children to appointments and foster homes.
- Participated in community child abuse and sexual assault multidisciplinary response protocol teams to enhance coordinated, trauma-informed community responses.
- Served as a consultant for the Makah Tribal ICW program, ensuring culturally appropriate practices and strengthening tribal-state collaboration.
Education
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA06-2026
Master of Science - Pharmacy - Forensic Science
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL04-2018
Graduate Certificate - Forensic Toxicology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL04-2018
Graduate Certificate - Forensic Death Investigation
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL04-2018
Master of Science - Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Bastyr University
Kenmore, WA12-2003
Bachelor of Science - Natural Health Sciences
Bastyr University
Kenmore, WA12-2003
Skills
- Child welfare expertise
- Child welfare assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Evidence-based practices
- Program evaluation
- Community collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Community outreach
- Health assessment
- Public health research
- Technical writing
- Project management
- Social perceptiveness
- Conflict resolution
- Multicultural competence
- Professional communication
Certification
- Licensed Acupuncturist, Maine
- Licensed Acupuncturist, Montana
- Licensed Acupuncturist, Idaho
- FEMA Certification ICS-100
- FEMA Certification ICS-200
- FEMA Certification ICS-700
Timeline
Social Service Specialist
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
11.2023 - Current
Freelance Technical Writer - Nutraceuticals & Holistic Healthcare
Independent Contractor
01.2023 - 01.2024
Owner/Operator
GoJuice Enterprises LLC
01.2022 - 09.2023
Social Service Specialist 5: After-Hours Supervisor & Foster Care Rate Assessment Supervisor
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
07.2018 - 11.2021
Social Service Specialist 4: Adult Protective Services Supervisor
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
07.2017 - 04.2018
Social Service Specialist 5: Child Protective Services After-Hours Supervisor
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
11.2013 - 06.2017
Social Service Specialist 3: Multiple Positions
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
06.2007 - 11.2013
Acupuncturist - Owner/Practitioner
Angeles Acupuncture
03.2004 - 11.2021
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Eastern Washington University
Master of Science - Pharmacy - Forensic Science
University of Florida
Graduate Certificate - Forensic Toxicology
University of Florida
Graduate Certificate - Forensic Death Investigation
University of Florida
Master of Science - Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Bastyr University
Bachelor of Science - Natural Health Sciences
Bastyr University