Chief Review Judge (WMS03) Olympia

Job Title: Chief Judge Review (WMS03)

Location: Olympia, WA - This position is primarily remote, although in-person meetings will be required monthly. 

Closes: February 11th, 2025

Salary:  $110,832 - $128,400 Yearly.

This position serves as the Chief Review Judge on the Board of Appeals (BOA) Team within the Enterprise Risk Management Office (ERMO). This role is essential to our agency by reviewing decisions issued by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Decisions rendered by BOA may be appealed to Superior Court. 

Some of what you will do: 

This position reviews initial decisions by Administrative Law Judges at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and issues final decisions for the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). These decisions include child welfare, foster care, child-care licensing, adoption support and child-care subsidy cases. This position exercises authority that requires independent judgment. The incumbent in this position must be guided in all actions by a commitment to the mission of DCYF, due process of law and the Administrative Services Division’s core values of integrity, respect, positive work attitude, and teamwork. 

Directs and manages the Board of Appeals Team: 

• Responsible for the team culture that engages staff to be innovative in program processes and build a culture that supports change.
• Provides leadership to the BOA staff so that they can bring their best selves to work.
• Responsible for the recruitment and retention of staff. 

Provide leadership in Adjudicative Hearings: 

• Ensures timely and equitable case assignments for Review Judges.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on the Administrative Procedures Act (RCW 34.05). 
• Responsibility for providing an advanced level of expertise to agency leadership regarding the Administrative Procedures Act (RCW 34.05).

Issues Final Orders:

• Reviews adjudicative proceeding hearings records and decisions or orders and issues final determinations or recommends final determination. 
• Reviews transcript/audio records and record of cases where a Petition for Review has been filed with the Board of Appeals.
• Reviews evidentiary and procedural rulings.

What we are looking for (required qualifications):

• Six (6) years' experience* as a Hearings Examiner/Administrative Law Judge in a government agency.

OR

• Four (4) years* as a member of an administrative tribunal empowered to issue findings of fact and conclusions of law.

OR

• Four (4) years* of trial practice private. 

AND

• Active or judicial membership in the Washington State Bar Association.

Note*: One year of any of the above experience must be in the field of law related to cases heard by DCYF or DSHS.  Required Competencies: Knowledge of administrative, procedural, substantive, and common law; rules of evidence; specific bodies of law applicable to the hearings, including Federal and State statutes, court decisions, and regulations; departmental policies relevant to the contested cases; and organization of the department. Ability to review the hearing record for irregularity in the proceedings; conduct legal research, review the hearing record for errors in fact finding, instructions to parties, rulings on the admissibility of evidence, the application or interpretation of the law, and any other elements which could result in improper resolution of issues; and draft findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders which are clear and concise. 

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Ability to synthesize complex information using effective communication tools and strong technical, written, visualization and conceptualization skills with attention to detail and consistency.
• Knowledge of DCYF programs and services.
• Experience managing administrative law judges/hearing officers, paralegals and support staff.
• Trial experience as an attorney or judge.
• Knowledge of current laws, regulations,  and best practices regarding administrative hearings.
• Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Team building experience.

How do I apply?  Complete your applicant profile and:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Attach a current resume.
• Attach a legal writing Sample - preferably an order.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.  If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. 

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Salary : $110,832 - $128,400