DSHS OOS Review Judge



DSHS OOS Review Judge

Salary

$78,900.00 - $106,152.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2023-03876

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

OOS

Opening Date

03/23/2023

Closing Date

4/12/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

DSHS Review Judge

We're hiring a Review Judge to join DSHS's Board of Appeals, part of the Office of Justice and Civil Rights within the Office of the Secretary (OOS). A hybrid telework schedule is available for this job.

Reporting to the Chief Review Judge for the Board of Appeals, this job opportunity gives you the chance to grow your knowledge in  specialized areas of the law, at a sustainable salary, with great benefits. If you consider yourself able to work independently and you enjoy analysis, research, writing, and decision making, join us in Transforming Lives and be part of our hard-working team of legal professionals who provide services to WA state citizens.  

As the Review Judge, you will review initial decisions and issue final decisions where statute or rule requires a formal adjudicative proceeding be held according to the provisions of the state's Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 34.05 RCW, or federal law. When a Petition for Review is filed contesting a hearing decision, you will review the written record of the adjudicative proceedings and render the Department's final administrative decision.

Some of what you’ll do:

  • Review Initial Orders written by Administrative Law Judges after hearings in cases concerning the alleged abuse of vulnerable adults and in cases concerning issues related to public benefits
  • Review the evidence presented by the parties, including all testimony and exhibits from those hearings
  • Evaluate the statement of facts and application of the law contained in the Initial Order Research relevant law and determine the legal and factual accuracy of the Initial Order 
  • Issue a final decision, which includes a statement of the legal issues presented, an analysis of the evidence, findings of fact, and conclusions of law
  • Review and determine if motions for reconsideration should be granted or denied
  • Review and analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and administrative policies
What we’re looking for: 
Knowledge of administrative, procedural, substantive, and common law; rules of evidence; specific bodies of law applicable to the administrative hearings, such as the Abuse of Vulnerable Adults act, and also including federal and state statutes, court decisions, and regulations.

Ability to review the hearing record for irregularity in the proceedings; conduct legal research and provide legal advice to peers and superiors; review the hearing record for errors in fact finding, instructions to parties, rulings on the admissibility of evidence, the application or interpretation of the law, and any other elements which could result in improper resolution of issues; draft findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders which are clear and concise.

Who should apply:
  • Professionals who have active or judicial membership in the Washington State Bar Association AND four years of experience as a hearings examiner in a governmental agency; or four years as a member of an administrative tribunal empowered to issue findings of fact and conclusions of law; four years of legal practice involving administrative law; or four years of trial practice in private or public employment
  • One year of any of the above experience must be in the field of law related to cases heard by DSHS
  • Excellent writing, research, and legal reasoning
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
Interested? To apply, please complete the online application and provide a current resume, letter of interest, three professional references, and a professional writing no more than ten pages that is entirely your own legal work.

Questions? Email Jourdan.Phipps@dshs.wa.gov or call 360-995-2275, reference 03876. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.
 
Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
 
Employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Please note medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made.

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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
 
  
 
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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