DSHS ESA Claims Officer 4

About the role

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 the Virtual Legal Office. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to telework and work in-office, depending on business needs. Official duty stations are located in Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, Vancouver, Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, or Kennewick DCS Field Offices. As part of the Division of Child Support (DCS), you will lead a team of attorneys and professional staff, providing supervision, training, and development.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Current admission to practice law in the State of Washington.
• Two years of experience as a Claims Officer 2 or one year as a Claims 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 related programs.

Skills

• 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.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Benefits

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