DSHS ESA Attorney

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services seeks detail-oriented attorneys to join the Virtual Legal Office as Claims Officer 1-2 in-training. This entry-level position begins at Claims Officer 1 under close supervision with structured training in child support and administration of the program.

You will study case law, statutes, rules, and procedures, review cases, prepare recommendations, and progress to Claims Officer 2 after training.

Qualifications

• Current admission to practice law in the state of Washington.
• Knowledge of Washington statutes, administrative codes, and agency policies for claims processing and appeals.
• Analytical skills to examine complex information and identify key issues.
• Research skills to locate and apply relevant case law and guidance.
• Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain knowledge of laws and regulations governing child support and debt collection.
• Represent the department in adjudicative proceedings under the Administrative Procedures Act and RCW 74.20A.057.
• Exercise independent judgment to provide equitable relief, including charge-off of child support debts owed to the State.
• Negotiate settlements with private attorneys or parties before adjudicative proceedings.
• Appear before an Administrative Law Judge and present opening statements, examine witnesses, raise objections, and present closing arguments.
• Draft, review, and prepare legal documents including subpoenas, motions, briefs, and responses to appeals.
• Provide legal interpretation to support enforcement officers regarding federal and state laws applicable to child support enforcement.
• Conduct ongoing reviews of case law, statutes, and regulations affecting child support.
• Maintain detailed and accurate electronic records of all case actions.
• Safeguard sensitive, confidential, and legally protected information at all times.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Analytical skills

Research skills

Communication

Education

WA Bar admission

Job description

Claims Officer 1 - 2 In Training (Attorney)

DSHS's Division of Child Support (DCS) is seeking detail-oriented and analytical attorneys to join the Virtual Legal Office as a Claims Officer 1 - 2 (In-Training). This is the entry level in the Claims Officer series. You would begin at the Claims Officer 1 level and work under close supervision while receiving structured training in the specialized legal areas of child support and the administration of the child support program.

During the in-training period, you will develop expertise in child support case law, federal and state statutes, administrative rules, international child support frameworks, and department procedures. You will learn to review assigned cases, assess the causes for hearings, apply clear procedural guidelines, and prepare accurate recommendations. Upon successful completion of training, typically within 12 to 24 months - depending on prior experience, you will progress to the Claims Officer 2 level.

• Claims Officer 1 - $6,384 - $7,973 (Step C - Step L)
• Claims Officer 2 - $6,384 - $8,374 (Step A - Step L)

Multiple openings are currently available. Official duty stations can be located in either our Tacoma, Everett, Yakima, Spokane, Olympia, Wenatchee, Vancouver and Kennewick DCS Field Offices. We offer a flexible/hybrid schedule as business needs allow, although presence within office will be required as business needs arise. Initial training of the successful candidates will be mostly completed via virtual training in a group environment.

Advantages Of Working For The VLO Include

• Potential opportunities for flexible work schedule and telework.
• An informal work environment and relaxed dress code.
• Collaboration and problem solving with peers within teams and statewide.
• Annual statewide educational seminars providing CLE credit.
• Encouragement to join in statewide strategic workgroups and policy initiatives.
• Career advancement opportunities within DCS statewide.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain working knowledge of case law, federal, state, and international laws and regulations governing the establishment and collection of child support or debts owed to the state.
• Represent the department’s interests in adjudicative proceedings under the Administrative Procedures Act and RCW 74.20A.057 regarding the establishment and collection of child support, financial and medical obligations, day care and special child-rearing expenses, and compliance with collection and enforcement orders.
• Exercise independent judgment to provide equitable relief, including charge-off of child support debts owed to the State of Washington.
• Negotiate with private attorneys, representatives, or parties prior to adjudicative proceedings, with the authority to reach settlements.
• Appear as the department’s pro-se representative or witness before an Administrative Law Judge; testify regarding agency records, make opening statements, examine witnesses, raise objections, present closing arguments, and seek correction or reconsideration of decisions as needed.
• Draft, review, and prepare legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, memorandums, briefs, appeals, and responses to appeals. Ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Provide legal interpretation and procedural guidance to support enforcement officers regarding federal and state laws applicable to the child support enforcement program.
• Conduct ongoing reviews of case law, statutes, and regulations affecting the establishment and collection of child support or debts due to the state.
• Maintain detailed and accurate electronic records that provide a clear and contemporaneous account of all actions taken on a child support case.
• Safeguard sensitive, confidential, and legally protected information at all times.

Who should apply?

Professionals with; Current admission to practice law in the state of Washington.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For

• Legal and regulatory knowledge: Understanding of Washington State statutes, administrative codes, and agency policies governing claims processing and appeals.
• Analytical skills: Ability to examine complex information, identify key issues, and synthesize findings into clear conclusions.
• Research skills: Proficiency in locating and applying relevant case law, administrative guidance, and policy references.
• Professional integrity: Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with attorneys, administrators, and agency staff to ensure consistent application of law and policy.
• Judgment and discretion: Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions on matters with legal or financial implications.
• Communication skills: Ability to explain complex information clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail: Consistent accuracy in reviewing documentation, drafting findings, and maintaining records.

Interested?

See how our DCS employees partner with people to access support, care, and resources :

Questions?

Email [e-mail] and reference 04926.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure

If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here . Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.