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.

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