Claims Attorney

Salary : $117,803.00 - $154,568.00 Annually

Location : Renton, WA

Job Type : Full-Time

Remote Employment : Flexible / Hybrid

Job Number : 250124001

Department : Administration

Program : Workers' Compensation Trust & Unemployment Pool

Opening Date : 01 / 24 / 2025

Description

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.

Other Functions

Job-Specific Competencies

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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.

We offer comprehensive benefits :

Upon hire can you submit proof that you are legally eligible to work in U.S.?

Which of the following responses best represents your completed education?

Prospective staff, interns, and volunteers will have their records checked through the Washington State Patrol criminal identification system and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation via a fingerprint check using a complete Washington state criminal identification fingerprint process. Are you willing to submit to this process?

Are you able to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to using a racial equity lens?

Do you have a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school?

Do you hold a valid license by the Washington State Bar Association?

Do you have any Washington State Workers' Compensation trial experience?

Required Question

Salary : $117,803 - $154,568