Description:
This recruitment is posted continuously and will remain open until a selection is made. Application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.The ideal candidate will join our legal team by representing the Health Care Authority in administrative hearings, presiding over brief adjudicative proceedings, and using legal expertise to guide agency programs at the forefront of progressive healthcare. The Staff Attorney will be well versed in equitable and inclusive legal counsel and will join a team of collaborative professionals. If you enjoy an autonomous, yet supportive training environment at work– this may be the position for you!
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated. Your vaccine status will be verified upon acceptance of a contingent job offer. Please note, medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made.
All Health Care Authority (HCA) employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division:
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides support to the entire agency to assist in accomplishment of strategic and tactical goals, to comply with changing laws, and to assess and mitigate risk. This Staff Attorney position reports to the Deputy Section Manager for the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) within DLS.
About the Position:
The Staff Attorney represents HCA in cases at quasi-judicial administrative hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the Office of Administrative Hearings, and before HCA's Board of Appeals. The Staff Attorney will also act as an internal presiding officer in Brief Adjudicative Proceedings related to administrative appeals by public and school employees. Administrative cases include a wide variety of types including Medicaid client appeals, appeals of health benefit plans, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), self-insurance health plans, and large dollar provider overpayment appeals.
In addition to managing appeals, Staff Attorneys provide legal assistance to HCA programs and executives at all levels. Staff Attorneys produce legal reviews, identify opportunities and risks for HCA business operations, and perform general coordination of legal services.
This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site.
Duties:
Some of what you will do:
- Represent the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), Medicaid program, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in cases of varying complexity at quasi-judicial administrative hearings. These hearings occur before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), an HCA Presiding Officer, or the HCA Board of Appeals (BOA). The Staff Attorney will research and prepare legal pleadings, motions, and documents; prepare witnesses to testify in hearing; responds to appellants' legal arguments and pleadings; and presents the program's position at hearing.
- Serve as a Presiding Officer for Brief Adjudicative Proceedings and/or Reviewing Officer for agency Initial Orders and Final Orders in accordance with RCW 34.05 and WAC 182.
- Provide consultation to all level of staff, including executive management, related to program legal issues using sound legal education, experience, and judgment.
- Evaluate, analyze, and provide workable, sound, and effective recommendations related to the program regarding changes in law, implementation of state or federal regulations, and HCA policies and processes; initiate and collaborate with program staff in reviewing and revising the regulations to conform to HCA policy and federal and state law.
- Identifies issues arising in adjudicative proceedings that may lead to potential litigation or adverse public reaction; research state, federal, and case law to circumvent potential litigation.
- Competently draft legal documents, rules, correspondence, position papers, training materials, policies, and procedures appropriate to various audiences and purposes.
- Review complex legal and technical documents, identify key issues and points, explain them to others in understandable terms, and make policy recommendations. This includes case analysis, identifying options, and formulating recommendations for resolution based on sound legal education, experience, and judgment.
- Research and interpret complex legal and medical issues, and concisely convey this information to multi-level and diverse audiences via written memoranda and other media.
- Provide training for HCA as needed regarding hearing issues and consults with assigned assistant attorneys general when necessary.
- Materially contribute to identifying risk management strategies, propose and draft technical requirements, and terms and conditions for contracts and competitive bidding processes involving the acquisition of medical, dental benefits, or other employee benefits for current and retired WA government employees and Medicaid enrollees.
- Review drafts of Washington Administrative Code rules, recommends changes to rules and/or policies to mitigate agency risk and comply with state and federal law.
- Maintain confidentiality and compliance with applicable statutes, rules, HCA policies, and program procedures.
- Help capture and maintain data integrity through accurate and timely reporting of data and assist in the preparation of management reports.
- On occasions, perform role of liaison to the Attorney General's Office on program related legal matters and civil litigation by coordinating the program's litigation defense strategy, and/or assisting with discovery.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and must be an active member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association within sixty (60) days of appointment;
- Ability to independently develop effective legal arguments and case management practices to ensure successful outcomes for HCA hearings;
- Demonstrated history of regular and reliable attendance;
- Knowledge of and experience with the rules of evidence, discovery, and civil or criminal
- procedure;
- Handles customer questions and complaints in a pleasant and professional manner;
- Meets commitments, works independently, is accountable, and stays focused under pressure;
- Communicates with others in a straightforward and honest manner and maintains confidentiality;
- Gives the appropriate attention to detail, shows a commitment to excellence, and regularly strives for quality improvement;
- Listens to others, positively contributes to and promotes a team atmosphere;
- Ability to problem solve, prioritize workloads, meet due dates, and provide independent strategic direction/decision making;
- Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two years' experience in administrative hearings under the Washington Administrative Procedure Act and/or two years trial court experience;
- Three years' experience in the health insurance industry, including health benefits contracting and benefits procurement;
- Proven success working with diverse audiences and marginalized communities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of:
- Washington laws and rules pertaining to records retention, public disclosure, and civil litigation and discovery;
- Federal and WA state laws relevant to the provision of employee benefits and health care: e.g. HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, and the Internal Revenue Code;
- Medicaid and PEBB regulations and programs;
- The Washington state legislative process;
- Self-insurance health plans;
- The federal Affordable Care Act and its anticipated effects on state agencies which procure and provide health benefits;
- National Healthcare Reform in state and in federal government;
- Health Savings/Spending Accounts.
- Experience in:
- Analyzing legislation;
- Promulgating Washington Administrative Code;
- Project management;
- Drafting agency policies and procedures;
- Formulating legal defense strategies, preferably on behalf of state agencies;
- Mediation.
How to Apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile and attach:
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position.
- Current resume
- Three professional references
- Writing sample excerpt – approximately 5 pages
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Supplemental Information:
About HCA:
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.
HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.
What We Have to Offer:
- Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
- A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
- A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
- A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
- A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
- Tuition reimbursement
- And free parking!
Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
