DSHS ESA Claims Officer 4

Description

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), is seeking a licensed attorney to serve as a Claims Officer 4 with our Virtual Legal Office. Official duty stations will be held in either our Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, Vancouver, Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, or Kennewick DCS Field Offices. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to telework and work in-office, depending on business needs.

As part of the Division of Child Support (DCS), you will lead a team of attorneys and professional staff, providing supervision, training, and development to support their success. In this role, you will represent the department's interests in legal proceedings, offer guidance to management and staff, and collaborate with the DCS Policy Unit to address complex issues and develop solutions. This position is ideal for a self-motivated leader with strong communication skills who thrives in a dynamic, autonomous environment.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Supervise and train claims officers and DCS personnel in a remote environment. Manage recruitment, hiring, and staff development while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Establish team procedures and expectations, ensuring statewide consistency in interpreting laws, regulations, and policies by collaborating with other VLO team leaders and participating in strategic meetings.
• Monitor staff performance through data reviews, quality assurance audits, and detailed case evaluations. Implement accountability measures and corrective actions in a collective bargaining environment.
• Provide legal guidance to management, staff, and claims officers on complex cases, including state, federal, tribal, and international statutes. Assist in accurate establishment and enforcement of child support orders.
• Represent the department in adjudicative proceedings, handling complex cases, including international disputes. Negotiate settlements, prepare legal arguments, and present evidence to ensure favorable outcomes.
• Develop resources and deliver training to improve operational efficiencies and support staff understanding of new laws, procedures, and policies.
• Represent the VLO in workgroups and committees addressing policy changes, process improvements, and strategic initiatives. Provide input on regulations and advocate for effective solutions.
  
  

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with current admission to practice law in the State of Washington
  
  

and,

• Two years of experience as a Claims Officer 2 or one year as a Clams Officer 3, and completion of the professional development program.
  
  

or,

• Four years of experience as a Hearings Examiner in a governmental agency, an Assistant Attorney General or Deputy Prosecutor in support enforcement or other debt recovery matter or other relevant experience in support enforcement, domestic relations, debt recovery or other related programs.
  
  

What We Are Looking For

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in emotionally charged or difficult situations, primarily in a virtual environment using telephonic and electronic systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work professionally with DCS staff, attorneys, prosecutors, and other parties involved in child support cases or hearings.
• Knowledge of child support statutes, regulations, court decisions, and department policies, including enforcement, modification, and distribution.
• Ability to conduct legal research, analyze complex information, and provide sound advice on child support enforcement cases and remedies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely to various audiences, and the ability to travel as needed.
  
  

Interested?

Please Include The Following With Your Application

• Current resume
• A cover letter that articulates how your experience and education have prepared you for this job
• Professional references with current contact information
  
  

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own 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 vision 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.

Questions?Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06028.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here . Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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