Petition Examiner

Do you have experience with dispute resolution, writing administrative decisions, and responding to escalated employer and member issues? Would you thrive in a role where your careful and impartial review of the facts and the law directly determines whether a public employee, or their designated survivors or beneficiaries, receives the retirement benefits they are entitled to? If you excel at legal research and analysis, clear and legally sound written communication, and careful reasoning that accounts for both what has come before and what is particular to each case, the Petition Examiner role may be the perfect next step for you!

This recruitment is open to permanent DRS team members only.

Please do not apply if you are not a current DRS team member with permanent status.

Please apply before 8 am on Monday, May 11, 2026, to be considered.
Virtual interviews will tentatively be scheduled for May 18 and 19.

Duties

We are looking for a highly skilled Petition Examiner to manage the review and determination of petitions filed in response to administrative decisions issued by senior agency managers at DRS.

Reporting to the Legal Services Director, the Petition Examiner will independently conduct thorough reviews of petitions filed by members, current or former spouses, children of members, designated beneficiaries, and employers regarding agency decisions on service credit, retirement benefits, membership, worker status, disability, survivor benefits, benefit recalculations, and deferred compensation accounts. You will analyze retirement regulations, apply relevant law, and issue written decisions that serve as the agency's final policy statement on each matter in dispute.

Some of What You’ll Do Includes:

• Using your knowledge of the Administrative Procedures Act to determine if an issue is properly before the agency and at the right step in the administrative process.
• Independently determining whether each petitioner has a sufficient stake in the outcome before proceeding with review. Reviewing petitions within timeframes established in agency rules.
• Researching and analyzing retirement regulations, agency procedures, and applicable law as they relate to the issue(s) presented in each petition.
• Working with agency staff to investigate the facts behind each petition and the original administrative decision to understand the petitioner’s request and whether it has merit.
• Issuing written decisions citing the facts and sources of law used to reach each determination.
• Communicating directly with petitioners or their legal representatives throughout the review process.
• Referring petitions back to the originating senior manager when additional facts or issues arise that could affect the outcome of the initial decision.
• Providing legal analysis and guidance to internal team members on petition outcomes and retirement law, helping prevent issues from reaching the formal petition process.
• Ensuring each written decision accurately characterizes the evidence and clearly discusses the issues, findings of fact, and conclusions of law — written with an eye toward potential judicial review.

Telework Information: After effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, incumbent may be eligible to telework on a full-time basis, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place. The ability to work remotely is dependent on the nature of the tasks and projects assigned and the presence of a remote work environment that is safe and has an appropriate level of reliable connectivity. You must live within a reasonable commuting distance (within two (2) hours including commute time) to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing and able to adjust your telework schedule, whenever necessary, to complete work assignments, attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc.

Salary

• $100,000 - $125,000/year

Qualifications

What we’re looking for (required qualifications): Experience for qualifications can be gained through various combinations of professional employment, education, and volunteer/personal experience. Experience can be concurrent:

• Demonstrated experience producing clear, well-researched, and legally supported written decisions. For example, experience with writing adjudicative decisions, investigative reports, complex decision papers, or administrative decisions.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying the Administrative Procedure Act to identify that an issue is properly before the agency and to ensure an issue is at the right step in the administrative process.
• Demonstrated experience understanding, interpreting, and applying laws and regulations related to pension administration.
• Competently take complex information and condense it into easily understood language.
• Ability to work independently to manage and prioritize caseload, research and analyze legal issues to write defensible decisions.
  

The above is typically gained from a minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience.

In addition, qualified candidates should have demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Analysis - Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/ decisions.

Communication - Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Consultation - Employs expertise, credibility and effective partnering to help customers and/or peers identify, evaluate and resolve complex or sensitive issues and problems. Demonstrates willingness and initiative in partnering with peers and customers in order to achieve desired outcomes.

Decision Quality - Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment. Most solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Is sought out by others for advice and solutions.

Ethics, Integrity, Values, and Trust - Earns the trust, respect and confidence of others through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions. Keeps confidences and admits mistakes. Is seen as being direct and truthful in all situations. Displays extremely high standards of integrity and ethical conduct and models the behaviors expected of others in the organization.

Judgment - Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis, experience, and perspective while also considering decision impacts. Effectively weighs alternatives and makes decisions that incorporate facts, opinions, and other relevant information.

Researching and Gathering Information - Effectively identifies, collects, organizes and documents relevant data and information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, and investigation.

Learning and Growth - Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities. Displays curiosity about new ideas and perspectives and an openness to innovation, change, and feedback. Takes responsibility for personal learning by identifying and communicating needs and challenges, and applying new knowledge to navigate systems, tools, and processes. Reflects on experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective in serving the people of Washington.

Meeting the Needs of Others- Demonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members. Understands that others have varied needs and perspectives and adapts communication and actions accordingly. Builds relationships and collaborates to increase access, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all. Balances and considers all parties’ needs when developing solutions, ensuring equity, respect, and service excellence in every interaction.

Paralegal certification or a law degree are highly desirable but not required.

Other Information

Be sure to read this entire section – We promise, it’ll be helpful!

How to Apply: Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply. To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application. Applications without these required attachments will not be considered.

1. A cover letter clearlydescribing why you are interested in this role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.
2. A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date. Please keep in mind that professional or verifiable volunteer experience may be relevant.
3. Please include a writing sample with your application that demonstrates your ability to produce clear, well-reasoned written analysis. This may be a legal brief, administrative decision, formal memo, or similar work product. Samples should be no longer than five (5) pages. If your sample contains confidential or sensitive information, please redact as needed prior to submission. Please note that writing samples should reflect your own work — submissions that appear to be AI-generated will not be considered.
   
   

• Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions.The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered.Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely match the qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Benefits

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 01-07-2026