Chief Review Judge (WMS3/DLS)

Chief Review Judge (WMS3/DLS)

71028362

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 9/1/2026 and you are encouraged 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 Chief Review Judge leads the agency’s statewide administrative hearings and appeals programs, ensuring all processes are timely, fair, and compliant with State and Federal law while overseeing the contract with the Office of Administrative Hearings. The position holds Delegated Authority from the agency Director to independently administer the hearing system, supervise the Board of Appeals, and decide second-level Medicaid-related appeals, while also serving as the primary review judge for public and school employee benefits programs. This high-visibility leadership role with significant independent authority is ideal for a Washington State Bar Licensed Attorney with experience in administrative law and team supervision.

All 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:

Within HCA, the Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides centralized administrative support to all HCA divisions at all employee levels to mitigate risks, comply with changing state and federal laws, and assist HCA in accomplishing its goals. DLS supports all programs within HCA.

About the position:

The Chief Review Judge reports directly to the Chief Legal Officer and provides legal, policy, and administrative support to ensure the HCA meets its legal requirements under state and federal law to provide fair, impartial adjudicative proceedings.The Chief Review Judge is primarily responsible for: Appeals administration, judicial office management, and acts as the Presiding Officer.

This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report onsite to meet business needs. 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. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Plans, leads, and develops adjudicative proceedings processes ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws, regulations and policies, ensuring due process under the law.
• Manages the development of rules, policies, trainings, statewide for HCA’s hearings and appeals programs coordinating closely with the HCA programs (PEBB/SEBB, Medicaid, and Behavioral Health) as well as external stakeholders such as legal advocates, Office of Administrative Hearings, and the Department of Social and Health Services.
• Develops and amends contractual language and manages the interagency agreement with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) to ensure that OAH conducts hearings in a manner that is timely and fair, affords due process, and that decisions are legally accurate and supported by a complete record in compliance with Chapter 34.05 RCW and 42 CFR 431 Part E, and other relevant laws and regulations.
• Maintains and ensures the highest level of judicial integrity of self and staff.
• Supervises the Legal Administrative Manager to ensure the highest level of administrative efficiencies within the Board of Appeals. Is a second level supervisor to the Legal Assistant 3 that reports to the Legal Administrative Manager providing coaching, mentorship, and support.
• Oversees the proper scheduling and tactical operations of the hearings system statewide. Conducts root cause analysis of problems that arise in this complex scheduling system. Proactively anticipates and remediates systemic issues within the hearings and appeals system agencywide. Coordinates well with internal and external stakeholders.
• Designs and implements necessary changes to the administrative hearings program based on changes in state or federal health care law in consultation and collaboration with subject matter experts, stakeholders, internal program managers, and OAH.
  program managers and the Communications Division.
• Administers HCA’s external web page relating to all of HCA’s hearings and appeals programs for a diverse client and advocacy base.
• Administers and maintains the indexing process for HCA’s Index of Significant Decisions in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer and other agency partners.
• Maintains the HCA Administrative Policy on ex parte communication.
• Provides statewide training on hearings and appeals processes and best practices coordinating closely with the Department of Social and Health Services and HCA’s Medicaid program.
• Provides advice, consultation, information, guidance, interpretation and technical support regarding appeals of agency decisions, to all programs.
• Provides technical consultation and input for legislative bill analyses.
• Directs and supervises the work of licensed attorney Review Judges who (1) review and correct decisions of Administrative Law Judges or (2) presides over nursing home rates administrative hearings, by applying laws to the facts to reach legal conclusions, and issue legally binding final orders under delegated authority of the HCA Director.
• Ensures that the Review Judges issues timely and accurate decisions under the law.
• Presides over administrative hearings in accordance with Chapters 182-16 and 182-32 WAC and Chapter 34.05 RCW by applying facts to law, creating a complete record, and issuing a final agency decision appealable to state superior court.
• Refers cases to the Office of Administrative Hearings when appropriate

Salary

• $106,932 - $149,724/year

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet the following criteria:

Required education

• Law degree from an accredited law school and licensed by the Washington State Bar Association in good standing.

Required experience:

• Five (5) years of experience with administrative hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act, representing a governmental agency in front of a tribunal, or other similar legal experience in public sector judicial or quasi-judicial setting.

• Extensive experience directly supervising professional level staff.
• Strong leadership and advanced managerial knowledge and skills that ensure accountability, effectiveness, and high level of ethical integrity, including adherence to the Washington State Court Rules of Professional Conduct.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including conflict de-escalation.
• Knowledge and skills in litigation, negotiation, and mediation/conflict resolution.
• Excellent public speaking skills, ability to assess training needs, ability to develop and deliver training to wide variety of audiences. Ability to use diplomacy, negotiating, problem solving, and consultation skills when communicating.
• Demonstrates personal accountability.
• Experience in personnel management, staff development, and knowledge of regulations related to personnel and supervisory management in the public sector.
• Ability to manage time and organize work using systems thinking.
• Advanced knowledge of information technology and skills in working with systems and software, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of and adherence to state ethics law.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of state and federal policies, laws, and regulations related to state and federal medical assistance programs.
• Knowledge of laws and issues related to administration of the Public Employees Benefit Board and School Employees Benefits Board programs (e.g., COBRA, ERISA, Internal Revenue Code, self-insurance health plans, outside third-party administration issues, coordination of benefits, long-term disability, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts).
• Knowledge of healthcare delivery methods, national healthcare reform efforts, and trends.
• Knowledge of or experience in state contracts and acquisitions; vendor disputes; intellectual property; internet/computer law; Public Records Act/Open Public Meetings Act; and privacy laws.
• Knowledge and experience drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts in state government.

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 which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

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.

Other Information

About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

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.
• 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. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission.Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov.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

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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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