Staff Attorney (LE 3) DOH9007

Washington State Health Care Authority; Washington; Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA), seeks a Staff Attorney to deliver quality legal services, manage disciplinary cases, and advise on administrative and health law issues. This role supports safeguarding public health by applying diverse legal expertise to complex disciplinary matters.

You will handle case management, litigation, research, drafting, and settlement negotiations, collaborating with program staff and AAGs.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to enter data accurately in computer systems (e.g., HELMS).
• Strong written and oral communication across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to identify key facts, assess information, and determine appropriate actions.

Responsibilities

• Present legal issues to disciplining authorities in hearings and propose resolutions.
• Perform legal research and advise on statutes, rules, and procedures.
• Draft discipline-related documents and review materials for public disclosure.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and prepare orders per sanction schedules.
• Maintain professional communications and time-tracking; support process improvements.

Skills

Computer skills

Communicates Effectively

Analyze information

Cultural Humility

Equity and Inclusion

People Impact Orientation

Education

Juris Doctor / WA bar admission

Tools

HELMS

Job description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Work may be performed remotely or from our office located in Tumwater, WA based on the employee’s preference.

Position tasks may occasionally require self-scheduled onsite work. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health is seeking a Staff Attorney to deliver quality legal services to Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) programs and other entities. This position directly supports the department’s mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington by applying legal expertise to manage complex discipline cases. Specifically, this position supports DOH’s mission by preparing disciplinary cases against healthcare providers who engage in unprofessional conduct.

Key Responsibilities Include

Case Management & Litigation

• Present legal issues to the disciplining authority in contested hearings (e.g., fast-track non-compliance, pro se disciplinary matters, request for modification, reinstatement, and release).
• Present agreed resolutions to disciplining authorities.
• Participate in case management meetings, case reviews, and regular or emergency case management teams.
• Resolve cases within the timelines established in chapter 246-14 WAC.
• Coordinate assigned cases with the assistant attorney general for cases that may proceed to a full hearing.
• Assist in identifying high-priority disciplinary matters.

Legal Research, Analysis & Consultation

• Research law and facts, and review records, exhibits, and case files to advise on questions of evidence, statutes, and regulations.
• Identify legal issues, develop strategies to address them, and communicate solutions.
• Respond to inquiries regarding administrative legal processes, various areas of law (administrative, constitutional, tort, health), rules of evidence, trial procedures, and court citation rules.
• Address questions related to federal and state statutes, departmental policies, healthcare confidentiality laws, and public disclosure.
• Provide investigation guidance and assist investigators with legal disputes, questions, and complex case plans.
• Assist program staff to determine when non-compliance action is appropriate.

Drafting & Document Review

• Draft legal documents to professional standards required by CR 11.
• Draft documents related to discipline in coordination with the assistant attorney general and/or disciplining authority representatives.
• Develop rules language for all regulated health professions, entities, and assigned HSQA programs.
• Review documentation for public disclosure matters and requests for release of file materials, such as subpoenas.

Settlement & Negotiation

• Participate effectively in administrative pre‑hearing settlement negotiations to resolve legal matters.
• Draft and present proposed agreed orders, as well as final default and waiver orders, adhering to the sanction schedules in chapter 246-16 WAC.

Administration & Professional Communication

• Communicate effectively, professionally, and timely (orally and in writing) with all affected parties.
• Track and log daily work activities, including recordkeeping and time‑tracking.
• Enter and update information and data into various Department systems and databases.
• Participate in ongoing process improvement and perform other duties as assigned.

Why You’ll Love This Role

The Staff Attorney applies their knowledge of state laws, the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act, and case law in the areas of administrative and health law. As a subject matter expert, you will serve as a legal resource for regulated health profession programs. You’ll work with a variety of partners on high priority and complex matters to protect patients from harm.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Three years as a Legal Examiner or attorney in a governmental agency; OR

Option 2: Three years as a member of an administrative tribunal empowered to issue findings of fact and law; OR

Option 3: Three years of trial practice in private or public employment as an attorney or equivalent experience

AND for all the options above, admission in good standing to practice law in Washington state.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Computer skills - Able to accurately and efficiently enter data into a computer (e.g., HELMS), able to navigate and utilize word processing, database, and internet programs (to include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook).
• Communicates Effectively– Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Ability to analyze information - Able to identify key facts in an array of data; able to detect when information may be incorrect, missing, or require verification; able to judge appropriate actions or responses to information based on clear guidelines, procedures, or requirements.
• Cultural Humility - Demonstrates the ability to take action to learn and grow, facilitating the development and integration of diverse perspectives, and honoring the different cultures represented in our agency.
• Equity and Inclusion - Demonstrates the ability to take action to meet the needs of others, removing barriers to accessing shared resources, and promoting a culture of equity, social justice, and belonging.
• People Impact Orientation - Demonstrates an ability to take action to adapt and adjust work and behaviors to increase positive impact on others. Holds themselves accountable for having a positive impact on others to the greatest extent possible.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with state laws, including the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act.
• Working‑level knowledge of case law in the areas of administrative and health law.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work‑life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

Integrity, accountability, effectiveness, responsiveness, cultural competency, the courage to change, and a relentless commitment to serve the public -These values are guided by our desire to build the public’s trust, strong relationships, employee satisfaction, and integrated service delivery. The vision of HSQA is to be a recognized leader in patient safety, prevention, and health systems development. The goals of HSQA are five‑fold: improve people’s health, enhance patient safety, make every resource count, have an exemplary workforce, and deliver exceptional service.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We’re nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting

The incumbent may work from home, at a DOH facility, or remotely from an alternative location. The official duty station for this position is home-based. Position tasks may occasionally require self-scheduled onsite work. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.

Schedule

This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to complete projects or assignments, and/or meet business demands and deadlines. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel may be required, as needed for scheduled board/commission meetings. When driving for state business, the incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately‑owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation.

Tools & Equipment

Requires the use of standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, printer/copier, fax machine, etc.

Customer Interactions

The position requires engaging with external partners and customers in a variety of settings, some of whom may become difficult to communicate with due to the nature of this position’s regulatory role.

Other

• This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• The DOH campus is a smoke‑free, drug‑free, alcohol‑free, scent‑neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.