DSHS ESA Attorney

About the role

DSHS's Division of Child Support (DCS) is seeking detail‑oriented and analytical attorneys to join the Virtual Legal Office as a Claims Officer 1‑2 (In‑Training). This is the entry level in the Claims Officer series. You would begin at the Claims Officer 1 level and work under close supervision while receiving structured training in the specialized legal areas of child support and the administration of the child support program. During the in‑training period, you will develop expertise in child support case law, federal and state statutes, administrative rules, international child support frameworks, and department procedures. You will learn to review assigned cases, assess the causes for hearings, apply clear procedural guidelines, and prepare accurate recommendations. Upon successful completion of training, typically within 12 to 24 months — depending on prior experience — you will progress to the Claims Officer 2 level. Multiple openings are currently available. Official duty stations can be located in the Tacoma, Everett, Yakima, Spokane, Olympia, Wenatchee, Vancouver, and Kennewick DCS Field Offices. Initial training of the successful candidates will be mostly completed via virtual training in a group environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain working knowledge of case law, federal, state, and international laws and regulations governing the establishment and collection of child support or debts owed to the state.
• Represent the department’s interests in adjudicative proceedings under the Administrative Procedures Act and RCW 74.20A.057 regarding the establishment and collection of child support, financial and medical obligations, day care and special child‑rearing expenses, and compliance with collection and enforcement orders.
• Exercise independent judgment to provide equitable relief, including charge‑off of child support debts owed to the State of Washington.
• Negotiate with private attorneys, representatives, or parties prior to adjudicative proceedings, with the authority to reach settlements.
• Appear as the department’s pro‑se representative or witness before an Administrative Law Judge; testify regarding agency records, make opening statements, examine witnesses, raise objections, present closing arguments, and seek correction or reconsideration of decisions as needed.
• Draft, review, and prepare legal documents, including subpoenas, motions, memorandums, briefs, appeals, and responses to appeals; ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Provide legal interpretation and procedural guidance to support enforcement officers regarding federal and state laws applicable to the child support enforcement program.
• Conduct ongoing reviews of case law, statutes, and regulations affecting the establishment and collection of child support or debts due to the state.
• Maintain detailed and accurate electronic records that provide a clear and contemporaneous account of all actions taken on a child support case.
• Safeguard sensitive, confidential, and legally protected information at all times.

Qualifications

Current admission to practice law in the state of Washington.

Skills

• Understanding of Washington State statutes, administrative codes, and agency policies governing claims processing and appeals.
• Ability to examine complex information, identify key issues, and synthesize findings into clear conclusions.
• Proficiency in locating and applying relevant case law, administrative guidance, and policy references.
• Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical decision‑making.
• Works effectively with attorneys, administrators, and agency staff to ensure consistent application of law and policy.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions on matters with legal or financial implications.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences.
• Consistent accuracy in reviewing documentation, drafting findings, and maintaining records.

Benefits

• Potential opportunities for flexible work schedule and telework.
• An informal work environment and relaxed dress code.
• Collaboration and problem solving with peers within teams and statewide.
• Annual statewide educational seminars providing CLE credit.
• Encouragement to join in statewide strategic workgroups and policy initiatives.
• Career advancement opportunities within DCS statewide.

Pay

Claims Officer 1 - $6,384 - $7,973 (Step C - Step L); Claims Officer 2 - $6,384 - $8,374 (Step A - Step L)

Schedule

We offer a flexible/hybrid schedule as business needs allow, although presence within office will be required as business needs arise. Initial training will be mostly completed via virtual training in a group environment.