Closing Date: 15th October, 2024

Description:

About the Position:
The staff attorney represents HCA in complex cases at quasi-judicial administrative hearings before an HCA presiding officer or administrative law judge (ALJ) and the HCA's Board of Appeals. The staff attorney may also act as an internal presiding officer in Brief Adjudicative Proceedings. 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.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Duties:
Some of what you will do:

Represent the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), Medicaid program, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in complex cases at quasi-judicial administrative hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ), an HCA presiding officer, or the HCA Board of Appeals (BOA).
Research and prepare legal pleadings, motions, and documents; prepare witnesses to testify in hearing; respond to appellant's legal arguments and pleadings; and presents the program's position at hearing.
Serve as an internal presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings and/or reviewing officer for agency initial orders and final orders.
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.
Back up deputy section manager to 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
Active member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association or must be able to meet this requirement within 90 days of the start of employment.

Required Competencies:

Ability to independently develop effective legal arguments and case management practices to ensure successful outcomes for HCA hearings.
Knowledge of and experience with the rules of evidence, discovery, and civil or criminal procedure.
Meets commitments, works independently, is accountable, and stays focused under pressure.
Communicates with others in a straightforward and honest manner and maintains confidentiality.
Listens to others, positively contributes to and promotes a team atmosphere.
Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience:

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.
Project management experience.
Experience drafting agency policies and procedures.
Experience formulating legal defense strategies, preferably on behalf of state agencies.
Mediation experience.
Proven success working with diverse audiences and marginalized communities.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

Washington laws and rules pertaining to record 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.
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 health care reform in state and in federal government.
Health Savings/Spending Accounts.