Claims Attorney

Purpose Statement
The job of Claims Attorney, WCT is done for the purpose/s of providing specialized legal services to Puget Sound Workers' Compensation Trust and its members. Serves as a legal and subject matter expert in the area of Washington State Workers' Compensation as well as a resource to claim handlers and senior management. Responsible for managing highly complex litigation claims and provides trial expertise.

This job reports to Executive Director, Workers' Compensation Trust

Job will remain open until filled;  please submit application before best consideration date of 2/2/2024

Essential Functions

• Embodies the principles and practices that form our culture and commitment to becoming an Antiracist Multicultural Organization for the purpose of meeting the Agency’s End: Success for Each Child and Eliminating the Opportunity Gap by Leading with Racial Equity.
• Handles assigned cases for the purpose of ensuring compliance with internal claims handling criteria. Oversees duties and performance of external legal partners on litigated files including but not limited to court appearances, trial preparation, motions, discovery, and negotiations.
• Partners with internal and external stakeholders for the purpose of resolving legal issues. Trains or mentors claims handlers on legal concepts and principles impacting claims management.
• Prepares position papers on various legal issues for the purpose of presenting resolution strategies on litigated cases, the likelihood of success for each, and enabling the adoption of a position that best protects the interests of the Trust and its membership.
• Provides research, legal and information analysis, factual information, and counsel for the purpose of providing guidance on legal questions or issues.
• Provides decision-making guidance to management for the purpose of avoiding unfavorable legal outcomes and/or unsound strategy in response to changes in the law.
• Responds to government regulatory agencies for the purpose of ensuring organizational compliance with applicable regulations governing the scope of operational practice.
• Supervises preparation of legal defense for the purpose of driving superior outcomes, partners with outside counsel to develop defense strategy and briefs, directs outside counsel on whether cases should be tried or settled in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

ANTIRACIST LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
CULTURAL PROFICIENCY: Articulates and applies historical context of racism and understands the current reality of students and communities of color in order to support racial equity. Actively demonstrates a commitment to supporting equity and inclusion, and serves as an advocate with colleagues, partners, and communities to meet the Agency's End and goal of becoming an Antiracist Multicultural Organization in support of eliminating the opportunity gap.
RACIAL EQUITY ADVOCATE: Recognizes, supports, and engages in dismantling institutional racism. Partners with and is accountable to those with whom we are in a transformational relationship, including children, families, and communities of color.
RACIAL EQUITY MINDSET: Demonstrates awareness of biases, internalized racial superiority and oppression. Leads with a racial equity lens and actively uses the racial equity tool in meaningful ways.
TRANSFORMATIONAL VALUES: Contributes to valuable and positive, antiracist transformation in individuals, organizations, and social systems in an effort to actively progress across the antiracist multicultural institution continuum. Is able to foster a sense of community and shared purpose via collaboration and cooperation with others inside and outside PSESD. Embodies the principles and practices that form the Agency’s culture. Operates from an abundance mentality that recognizes opportunities, and is optimistic and realistic about the future.

JOB-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes responsibility and ownership for successfully accomplishing work and Agency objectives, and delivering results. Sets high standards of shared performance for self and others.
CUSTOMER FOCUS: Commits to clarifying and supporting internal and external customers’ goals and strives to meet their expectations and requirements. Consistently acts with customers in mind. Holds self accountable for providing high-quality, responsive and personable customer service.
NAVIGATING AMBIGUITY: Actively engages in areas of uncertainty and skillfully progresses and/or leads others in times of uncertainty.
RISK ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT: Identifies, defines and analyzes risks to the Agency, represented districts, programs, staff, and students posed by potential adverse actions or events. Plans, communicates, and implements measures that will avoid, reduce, overcome, or compensate for elements of risk.

JD degree from an accredited law school; trial experience with Washington State Workers' Compensation; and licensed under the Washington State Bar Association.

Litigating cases within the public sector (i.e., school district or government entity); working within a team of adjusters and or workers' compensation administrators; and employment law experience.