Administrative Law Judge

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington's Office of Administrative Hearings seeks Administrative Law Judges to preside over hearings across multiple divisions. These temporary roles may offer hybrid work arrangements and require handling various caseloads including UI and WZSC when applicable.

Positions are anticipated to last up to 12 months with potential extensions based on budget and need, and hearings may occur in person or via telework depending on caseload requirements.

Responsibilities

• Preside over hearings for multiple caseloads across divisions.
• Handle regulatory hearings for Social and Health Services, DCYF, DCS, and HCA caseloads.

Job description

Administrative Law Judge
Office of Administrative Hearings
Multiple Divisions

Appointment Types:

Temporary, anticipated to last up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on budget and operational needs.

Duty Stations:

Olympia, Spokane Valley, or Tacoma, Washington.

Work Arrangement:

Depending on the assigned caseload, positions may be eligible for hybrid or full-time telework. Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Work Zone Speed Camera (WZSC) positions are designated as full-time telework. All alternate worksites must be located within Washington state.

Starting Salaries:

• Entry Administrative Law Judge: $108,228 annually (Range 68, Step 4)
• Line Administrative Law Judge: $116,544 annually (Range 71, Step 4)

DESCRIPTION

The Opportunity:

OAH is currently looking to fill multiple temporary Entry and Line Administrative Law Judge positions for multiple caseloads within multiple divisions. These positions may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, depending on caseload-specific operational needs. Some caseloads require periodic in-person hearings, while Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Work Zone Speed Camera (WZSC) caseloads are full-time telework.

This is a represented position under the Washington Federation of State Employees - Administrative Law Judges (WFSE ALJ) (2025-27).

Discover What It’s Like to Work at OAH

Day in the Life of a Work Zone Speed Camera ALJ

Day in the Life of an OSPI ALJ

Day in the Life of an Unemployment Insurance ALJ

Day in the Life of a Social & Health Services ALJ

Day in the Life of a Regulatory ALJ

OAH Overview

OAH 2024-2025 Report

Application Review and Interview Process

Applications will be reviewed weekly, and qualified candidates may be invited to interview based on their preferred caseload and the agency's recruitment needs.

Applicants who submit complete applications by October 31, 2026, will be considered for the initial round of interviews scheduled for November.

Applications received after October 31, 2026, will continue to be reviewed and may be considered for a subsequent round of interviews anticipated in December.

Candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted directly with additional information regarding interview scheduling. You are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible.

These positions will preside over hearings for one or more of the following caseloads:

Social and Health Services Division

Division of Child Support (DCS) - DCS

An ALJ holds a hearing to establish child support or modify an existing administrative child support order. These are typically telephonic hearings with minimal travel required. A Claims Officer/Attorney represents DCS. The non‑custodial or custodial parent files a request for hearing that DCS forwards to OAH. OAH issues an initial order in Adress Disclosure cases, and a final order in all other DCS matters. All orders are due within 21 days of the close of record.

Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) - DCYF

ALJs hold hearings on licensing and issues affecting children (i.e., foster care, daycare, childcare assistance, child protective services, etc). The ALJ will issue an initial order except in vendor overpayments and juvenile cases where the order is final. DCYF is represented by an Assistant Attorney General and appellants are often represented by counsel. Typically, orders are due within 60 days from the close of record; however, adoption support orders and vendor overpayment orders are due 16 days from the close of record; background check and childcare assistance orders are due within 55 days from the close of record; and in a juvenile parole revocation cases, the ALJ must rule orally on the record and issue a written decision within 48 hours. These hearings are typically held by phone or video but parties may request an in‑person hearing so some travel is required.

Health Care Authority (HCA) - HCA

An ALJ holds hearings to determine an appellant’s eligibility for health care coverage, medical services, financial and functional eligibility for long‑term care, in‑home care services, participation rates for long‑term care, and the amount