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Posted March 26, 2024

Staff Attorney (WMS2/DLS)

State of Washington
Olympia, WA Full Time
Reference: StateofWashington4444258

Staff Attorney (WMS2/DLS)70076881 This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions. The ideal candidate will join our legal team by...

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Staff Attorney (WMS2/DLS)
70076881
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.

The ideal candidate will join our legal team by representing the Health Care Authority (HCA) in administrative hearings, presiding over brief adjudicative proceedings, and using legal expertise to guide agency programs at the forefront of progressive healthcare. The staff attorney will be well versed in equitable and inclusive legal counsel and will join a team of collaborative professionals. If you enjoy an autonomous, yet supportive training environment at work this may be the position for you!

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides support to the entire agency to assist in accomplishment of strategic and tactical goals, to comply with changing laws, and to assess and mitigate risk. This staff attorney position reports to the deputy section manager for the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) within DLS.

About the position:
The staff attorney represents HCA in complex cases at quasi-judicial administrative hearings before an HCA presiding officer or administrative law judge (ALJ) and the HCAs Board of Appeals. The staff attorney may also act as an internal presiding officer in Brief Adjudicative Proceedings. Administrative cases include a wide variety of types including Medicaid client appeals, appeals of health benefit plans, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), self-insurance health plans, and large dollar provider overpayment appeals.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions both on-site and telework eligible positions is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.
Some of what you will do:
  • Represent the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), Medicaid program, and Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in complex cases at quasi-judicial administrative hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ), an HCA presiding officer, or the HCA Board of Appeals (BOA).
  • Research and prepare legal pleadings, motions, and documents; prepare witnesses to testify in hearing; respond to appellants legal arguments and pleadings; and presents the programs position at hearing.
  • Serve as an internal presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings and/or reviewing officer for agency initial orders and final orders.
  • Provide consultation to all level of staff, including executive management, related to program legal issues using sound legal education, experience, and judgment.
  • Evaluate, analyze, and provide workable, sound, and effective recommendations related to the program regarding changes in law, implementation of state or federal regulations, and HCA policies and processes; initiate and collaborate with program staff in reviewing and revising the regulations to conform to HCA policy and federal and state law.
  • Back up deputy section manager to perform role of liaison to the Attorney General's Office on program related legal matters and civil litigation by coordinating the programs litigation defense strategy, and/or assisting with discovery.

Required qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association or must be able to meet this requirement within 90 days of the start of employment.

Required competencies:

  • Ability to independently develop effective legal arguments and case management practices to ensure successful outcomes for HCA hearings.
  • Knowledge of and experience with the rules of evidence, discovery, and civil or criminal procedure.
  • Meets commitments, works independently, is accountable, and stays focused under pressure.
  • Communicates with others in a straightforward and honest manner and maintains confidentiality.
  • Listens to others, positively contributes to and promotes a team atmosphere.
  • Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience:
  • Two years experience in administrative hearings under the Washington Administrative Procedure Act and/or two years trial court experience.
  • Three years experience in the health insurance industry, including health benefits contracting and benefits procurement.
  • Project management experience.
  • Experience drafting agency policies and procedures.
  • Experience formulating legal defense strategies, preferably on behalf of state agencies.
  • Mediation experience.
  • Proven success working with diverse audiences and marginalized communities.
Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • Washington laws and rules pertaining to record retention, public disclosure, and civil litigation and discovery.
  • Federal and WA state laws relevant to the provision of employee benefits and health care: e.g., HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, and the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Medicaid and PEBB regulations and programs.
  • Washington state legislative process.
  • Self-insurance health plans.
  • The federal Affordable Care Act and its anticipated effects on state agencies which procure and provide health benefits.
  • National health care reform in state and in federal government.
  • Health Savings/Spending Accounts.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:
  • A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
  • Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
  • Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:
  • Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
  • A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
  • A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
  • A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
  • A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • And free parking!

Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCAs mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at [email protected]. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or [email protected].

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.



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

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This listing expired on Apr 25. Applications are no longer accepted.

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