This recruitment will remain Open and Continuous with a first review of applications on January 25, 2024. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.The Department of Health is seeking highly qualified individuals to fill three (3) Health Law Judge (HLJ) positions. As an integral part of the Adjudicative Services Office, HLJs play a crucial role in the Department’s mission to protect public health. Specifically, HLJs preside over quasi-judicial regulatory and disciplinary law proceedings for the Department of Health. Moreover, the decisions rendered by HLJs have far-reaching consequences and effect everything from a practitioner’s ability to practice their chosen profession to the public’s perception and confidence in the Department’s ability to handle matters affecting public health. Please consider joining our team of professionals dedicated to providing efficient, fair, and impartial proceedings for all parties involved.
Make a difference.
Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate the Litigation Process:
  • Conduct telephone status conferences to establish and enforce case schedules.
  • Manage the discovery process, setting deadlines for identification of witnesses, exhibits, and various motions.
  • Analyze motions and exhibits, hear oral arguments, and issue well-reasoned orders addressing all legal and procedural issues.

2. Preside Over Adjudicative Proceedings:

• Conduct proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, the Uniform Disciplinary Act, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Competently preside over adversarial proceedings, including both in-person and telephone hearings.
• Timely rule on written and oral motions, communicate effectively with all parties, and provide clear instructions.

3. Draft and Issue Post-Hearing Orders:

• Analyze evidence to make factual findings and apply relevant legal standards.
• Draft and edit initial and final orders, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, and sanction language when necessary.

4. Other Legal Activities:

• Provide coverage and support for other HLJs and professional staff as needed.
• Review petitions for reconsideration and modification, conduct emergency summary proceedings, and approve or deny settlement agreements.

Our Ideal Candidate.
Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative.
Essential Requirements & Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar

AND
Three (3) or more years of full-time litigation, trial practice, or full-time judicial experience in the past seven (7) years.
NOTE: Trial practice is defined as frequent appearances as an attorney in a court of general jurisdiction or an administrative law tribunal. Judicial experience is defined as experience as a judge in a court of general jurisdiction or an administrative law tribunal in which the rules of evidence are applied.
Join a great team and lead us into the future
The Center for Facilities, Risk and Adjudication (CFRA) provides services to agency internal and external partners and the public by proactively identifying and mitigating risk, ensuring due process and consistent application of the law in adjudicative proceedings, and providing facilities that allow employees to do their best work in clean, safe and sustainable environments.
CFRA is a forward-looking Center that leads with equity, innovation and engagement in all that we do. CFRA values teamwork, respect, work life balance, trust and growth and development opportunities for all staff. Our team strives to support one another so that all members can be successful and proud of the important work we lead.
Work Location & Flexibility
The duty station for this position is in Tumwater, WA. DOH has adopted a modern work environment with an emphasis on allowing employees input on their primary duty station in consultation with their supervisors based on where the employees feel they do their best work. As such, primary telework or mobile work may be an option; subject to organizational needs, team building activities, etc. It is anticipated that the incumbent could be required to be at the Tumwater duty station for work activities or as necessary.
Work that matters
Public health promotes and protects the health of all people in the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. We understand that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begin with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.
About DOH
Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.
Why DOH
We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.
How to Apply
Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• Remember to showcase your relevant education and experience in your application

• Application packets must include the following:
  • A cover letter (without personal pictures) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
  • A current resume (without personal pictures).
  • Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section, which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

• Attachments: DO NOT attach or include certifications/certificates of completion, transcripts, letters of recommendation, private information (social security number, year of birth etc.), or documents that include photos with your application. Please REMOVE all photos (including headshots) from your documents prior to submitting.

Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
Union Representation
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Danielle Dahm at, Danielle.Dahm@doh.wa.gov.
NEOGOV provides technical support at 1-855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• Work Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but willing to occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends. A flexible work schedule may be an option after successful completion of probationary period and at the supervisor's approval.
• Occasionally travel, alone or with another person, to attend meetings, trainings, and/or conferences.
• Legally operate a state- or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation while on state business.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments, as assigned.