Staff Attorney (LE 3) DOH9007

Overview

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

This role delivers legal services to Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) programs and other entities. The position supports disciplinary case management involving healthcare providers, including preparation and presentation of disciplinary matters.

Responsibilities

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, 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 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify. Applicants must meet one option below and any additional criteria listed.

• 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 options above: admission in good standing to practice law in Washington state.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Computer skills: Ability to accurately and efficiently enter data into a computer (e.g., HELMS); ability to navigate and utilize word processing, database, and internet programs (including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook).
• Communicates Effectively: Develop and deliver multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Ability to analyze information: Identify key facts in data; detect when information may be incorrect, missing, or require verification; determine appropriate actions or responses based on clear guidelines, procedures, or requirements.
• Cultural Humility: Ability to learn and grow, facilitating integration of diverse perspectives and honoring different cultures represented in the agency.
• Equity and Inclusion: Ability to meet the needs of others, remove barriers to accessing shared resources, and promote a culture of equity, social justice, and belonging.
• People Impact Orientation: Ability to adapt work and behaviors to increase positive impact on others; accountability for having a positive impact 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.

Compensation & Benefits

The employer offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Retirement plans
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities

Location & Working Conditions

• Home-based (remote) duty station.
• Work may be performed remotely or from the office in Tumwater, WA, based on employee preference.
• Position tasks may occasionally require self-scheduled onsite work; if onsite work is requested by the supervisor, it will be planned and communicated in advance.
• Schedule: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of longer hours to complete projects/assignments and/or meet deadlines; alternative or flexible schedules may be considered with supervisory approval.
• Occasional travel may be required 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.
• Requires use of standard office equipment (computer, telephone, printer/copier, fax machine, etc.).
• Customer interactions may involve external partners and customers, including situations that may be difficult to communicate with due to the regulatory nature of the role.

Other Information

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

Application Notes

• Only materials submitted through the official application process will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents will not be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.
• Applicants should attach: resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable).
• List at least three professional references in the applicant profile or as a separate attachment (a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable).
• Veterans Preference claimants must attach the required documentation (DD-214 Member 4 copy, NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter).
• Do not include private details such as SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Supplemental Information

• This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. After positions from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
• Only applicants who follow the application process directions and complete the Application Process in full will have responses reviewed for consideration.
• Experience and education selected in supplemental questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.