Staff Attorney (LE 3) DOH8924

This recruitment announcement is for 3 permanent full-time assignments.

These positions offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with scheduled onsite work at our DOH facility in Tumwater, approximately 1-2 days per week.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health is seeking three Staff Attorneys to deliver quality legal services to Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) programs and other entities. These positions directly support the department’s mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington by applying legal expertise to manage complex discipline cases.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Analyzing facts and law and recommending an appropriate form of action or combination of actions (discipline or some alternative);
• Conducting legal research requiring knowledge of current state and federal legislation, case law, and administrative decisions;
• Drafting legal documents, pleadings, correspondence, memoranda, briefs, interpretive guidelines, rules, and proposed legislation;
• Negotiating settlements for health professions disciplinary cases, including conditions and restrictions; and,
• Assisting programs with general legal issues and serving as a resource on special projects, quality improvement work groups, and other activities as called upon.

Why You’ll Love This Role

These Legal Examiner 3 positions play a vital role in protecting the public’s health and safety by applying knowledge of state laws, including the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act, and case law in the areas of administrative and health law. These positions also serve as a legal resource for all regulated health professions, entities, and other HSQA programs, including high priority or complex matters.

Required Qualifications 

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Three (3) years as a Legal Examiner or attorney in a governmental agency. 

Option 2: Three (3) years of experience as a member of an administrative tribunal empowered to issue findings of fact and law.

Option 3: Three (3) years of trial practice in private or public employment as an attorney or equivalent experience. 

AND for all options:

Admission in good standing to practice law in the State of Washington.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

Employee Benefits 

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health. 

The vision of Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) is to be a recognized leader in patient safety, prevention, and health systems development. To that end, HSQA has established certain values – namely integrity, accountability, effectiveness, responsiveness, cultural competency, the courage to change, and a relentless commitment to serve the public. These values are guided by our desire to build the public’s trust, strong relationships, employee satisfaction, and integrated service delivery. The goals of HSQA are five-fold: improve people’s health, enhance patient safety, make every resource count, have an exemplary workforce, and deliver exceptional service.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting:

The position requires regular in-person attendance to perform duties on-site at the Tumwater, WA DOH Office. When not working on-site, this position may work from home, a DOH office, or an alternate location.

Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in indoor at home or office environments. This position is sedentary, working at a computer for extended periods. 

The position requires transporting, moving, and carrying various types of test gear and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds. 

Schedule:

This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to meet business demands and deadlines, and/or during the annual legislative session. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements:

Travel is not required to perform the duties of this position; however occasional travel may be expected to attend meetings, trainings, or conferences.

Tools & Equipment:

This position uses standard office furniture and equipment, such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine.

Customer Interactions:

The position frequently requires engaging with external partners and customers in a variety of settings, including some of whom may be upset, frustrated, or irate due to the nature of this position’s regulatory role.

Other:

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.  

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. 

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Kristina Cox at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8924.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues. 

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