Description

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Represent the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), Medicaid program, and Children’s 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 appellant’s legal arguments and pleadings; and presents the program’s 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 program’s litigation defense strategy, and/or assisting with discovery.

Qualifications

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

• 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.

Supplemental Information

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!

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