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Claims Officer 1 - 2 in training (Attorney)
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.
Claims Officer 1 -$6,259- $7,817 (Step C- Step L)
Claims Officer 2-$6,259- $8,012 (Step A-Step L)
Please note: Multiple openings are currently available. Official duty stations can be located in either our Tacoma, Everett, Yakima, Spokane, Olympia, Wenatchee, Vancouver and Kennewick DCS Field Offices. We offer a flexible/hybrid schedule as business needs allow, although presence within office will be required as business needs arise. Initial training of the successful candidates will be mostly completed via virtual training in a group environment.
Advantages of working for the VLO include:
- 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.
Some of what you'll do:
- 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.
Who should apply? Professionals with;
Current admission to practice law in the state of Washington.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for- Legal and regulatory knowledge: Understanding of Washington State statutes, administrative codes, and agency policies governing claims processing and appeals.
- Analytical skills: Ability to examine complex information, identify key issues, and synthesize findings into clear conclusions.
- Research skills: Proficiency in locating and applying relevant case law, administrative guidance, and policy references.
- Professional integrity: Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.
- Collaboration: Works effectively with attorneys, administrators, and agency staff to ensure consistent application of law and policy.
- Judgment and discretion: Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions on matters with legal or financial implications.
- Communication skills: Ability to explain complex information clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences.
- Attention to detail: Consistent accuracy in reviewing documentation, drafting findings, and maintaining records.
Interested? Apply now!
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide the following:
- A current resume.
- Three professional references with current contact information.
- A cover letter addressing the following:
- Describe what skills and experience you have that will prepare you to work in the field of child support.
- Explain why you want to be a Claims Officer and list which of the field office locations you would prefer to work in.
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Questions? Email Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 07858.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
- $5,956 - $8,415/month
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
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