Section Chief - Social & Health Services Division, Olympia

The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported.  The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include: 

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule - MAAG salaries are set between $80,592 and $156,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA

• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA

• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide 

The Social and Health and Services (SHO) division represents five state agencies including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) in their missions to provide benefits, protection and care to some of our state’s most vulnerable and disenfranchised residents. The division’s 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff provide legal services, advice and representation to DSHS’s many programs and functions, including mental health services and the state psychiatric hospitals; adult protective services; home and community services for elderly and disabled individuals; service to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities; income assistance; revenue recovery and child support; vocational rehabilitation; and the Special Commitment Center.  

Legal Highlights: Division litigation ranges from federal court class action cases involving thousands of individuals to administrative appeals involving a single individual. Recent cases include a challenge to Washington’s long-term care benefit program (the first program of its kind in the country) and a challenge to the adequacy of the state’s mental health services. Other examples of cases include contract disputes with medical providers and managed care organizations; appeals related to eligibility for certain medical services; lawsuits brought by legal advocacy organizations on behalf of Medicaid recipients and disabled individuals; complex civil rights challenges by residents of the Special Commitment Center for sexually violent predators; civil and felony commitment hearings and trials; guardianship petitions on behalf of vulnerable adults; and appeals of vulnerable adult abuse or neglect findings.

The team leader position handles litigation and client advice for BHA and coordinates the legal services among the staff who do legal work for BHA. While the position is within the Behavioral Health-Forensic Section of the Social and Health Services Division it also involves secondary responsibilities relating to practice areas within the Behavioral Health-Civil section. Responsibilities of both behavioral health sections include covering the involuntary commitment docket at WSH, as well as show cause hearings, jury trials, appeals, and any other litigation affecting the clients whom the section represents.

To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program; and be licensed to practice law in Washington state. (Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.

This Managing Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO.  MAAG salaries are set between $80,592 and $156,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance. In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.  The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above.  In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system and preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, please contact Division Chief Natalie King at Natalie.King@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-6485. 

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment.  Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.