Tax Review Officer (TPS 2) (Legal) (Non-perm)

• No billable hours! We work predictable schedules over a true 40-hour work week. We also offer plenty of paid leave so you can enjoy your life outside of work.
• Remote work. We work in a hybrid setting where employees are allowed to work from home all but 1-2 days per month. Our dedicated IT staff provides all the necessary equipment.
• Supportive culture. Whether you are new to tax or have a tax LLM, you’ll receive training and guidance from managers who want to help you succeed and grow. Senior Tax Review Officers generously share information and knowledge in a non-competitive work environment. There are opportunities to network with employees from other policy divisions, cross-training rotations, and regular salary increases. We also offer in-house CLE and pay your bar dues. 

As a Tax Review Officer (Tax Policy Specialist 2), you will manage an active caseload of tax disputes, hear and resolve taxpayers' petitions for review of the department's actions, and respond to taxpayers' petitions in writing. Cases cover a variety of complex and interesting tax laws that provide you with opportunities to research and educate taxpayers on how the law is applied. You will also engage in tax policy development to achieve consistency and fairness in tax administration.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting informal administrative reviews of petitions for correction of tax assessments, refund denials, and adverse interpretive rulings.
• Presiding over mainstream, executive, and small claims hearings and drafting determinations.
• Recommending, referring, or negotiating the settlement of some cases.
• Analyzing, reviewing, and providing technical legal and policy recommendations regarding proposed guidance the department is considering.

The required qualifications are key competencies that have been successfully demonstrated through experience or education. To join our team, you must possess the following competencies:

Written Communication:

• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and legally sound documents that organize complex information logically and apply current law to facts to reach accurate legal conclusions. 
• Proven skill in preparing written materials that follow the IRAC/CRAC/CREAC writing method.

• Demonstrated ability to clearly explain complex legal, technical, or regulatory concepts to individuals without subject-matter expertise, using concise, logical, and accessible language.
• Proven ability to present information effectively to ensure understanding of the intended message among varied audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others and contribute constructively in group settings, including offering feedback, exchanging ideas, and supporting open communication among team members.

• Proven ability to independently achieve results with minimal direction, showing initiative, self-motivation, and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks effectively, meeting established performance measures, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Progressive experience balancing accuracy and timeliness, making sound decisions within short timeframes and appropriately handling competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain focus on projects or cases over extended durations, proactively identifying next steps and adjusting actions as needs evolve.

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards, including maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information and avoiding conflicts of interest or their appearance.
• Proven ability to treat others with dignity and respect, demonstrating neutrality, judicial temperament, and professionalism in hearings and interactions.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain impartiality and neutral demeanor, ensuring parties have a full opportunity to present their arguments and feel heard.
• Proven ability to gather relevant information, such as asking questions, examining documents, and identifying material facts to evaluate the arguments of participants.
• Proven ability to document real-time interactions clearly and accurately, recognizing when information is incomplete or requires further substantiation.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive legal research using appropriate tools and resources.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and research materials to analyze complex legal issues and develop sound conclusions.
• Progressive experience making well-informed decisions, even with limited data or challenging implications, and recognizing when to seek additional guidance.

• Demonstrated ability to use electronic legal research software and document storage systems, including retrieving, reviewing, and processing electronic case materials.
• Demonstrated ability to use remote videoconference technologies, ensuring effective communication with staff and procedural efficiency in holding hearings.

• Proven ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in high-pressure environments, including managing competing priorities, adapting to shifting demands, and performing effectively under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.

The ability to take action to learn and grow:

• This equity competency identifies people who are curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others:

• This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

Use of an equity & inclusive approach:

• Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities.
• Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. 
• Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups, by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.

• Admission to practice law in Washington or before the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, or a federally recognized tribe.

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.

• For current or past employees of DOR: one year as a Tax Policy Specialist 2; or any applicant: three years of experience as:
  • A hearings examiner in a governmental agency.
  • An assistant attorney general.
  • A practicing attorney.

• Complete your online application in detail, as it will be used as your initial resume.
• Attach a cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position, and why you are interested in it.
• Attach a legal writing sample.

The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
 
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).  
  
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 but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses.  We encourage you to apply.
  
If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731.  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.