What are the responsibilities and job description for the Industrial Appeals Judge 3 (Hearings Judge) position at State of Washington?
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1/28/25 - This recruitment pool will be used for positions as they become available in Lakewood, Olympia, Renton, Spokane, and Yakima. Over the past five years, we have hired an average of five new judges each year.
The Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) is offering a challenging and rewarding opportunity for the right individual to make a difference through serving the state of Washington. Our employees are our most valuable resource: diverse, energetic, innovative thinkers who care equally about producing quality work and serving the public. A diverse workforce is critical to our success. We are committed to preserving our culture of diversity and inclusion and to providing a work environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. You can read the BIIA's Pro-Equity Anti-Racism statement here.
The BIIA is a great place to work! We offer flexibility and mobility in the workplace to enhance work/life balance, to improve wellness, and to support a productive work environment, increased job satisfaction and engagement. You can read employee testimonials on our website.
In addition to the great benefits provided by the State of Washington, we offer the following:
- Continuing Legal Education: We will pay for your CLEs!
- WSBA Membership: We will reimburse you for annual WSBA dues!
- Telework: Judges are eligible for telework!
- Training: We provide training in industrial insurance law!
The BIIA is a medium-sized state agency under the administration of three, full-time Board Members. The BIIA is independent from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and hears appeals from decisions made by L&I in several areas. The three principal types of appeals are:
- Industrial insurance (workers' compensation).
- Safety citations under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA).
- Employer Premiums (Tax Assessment or Classification).
The Hearings Judge presides over conferences and hearings where evidence is presented pursuant to Rules of Evidence and Superior Court Rules, and issues written decisions resolving appeals filed under the Industrial Insurance Act, Crime Victims Compensation Act, Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, and other acts as determined by the Legislature.
Each hearing judge is assigned a hearing run by geographic area. The majority of hearings are held by either video or telephone. However, judges also hold in-person hearings by request of the parties or if the judge determines an in-person hearing is necessary for other reasons (i.e., the number of expected witnesses or exhibits). In-person hearings are held in the county where the injury occurred or injured worker resides.
If you would like a copy of the Position Description Form and Performance Expectations, please contact the Human Resources Office at hroffice@biia.wa.gov.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be an active or judicial member of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
- Practicing attorney for a minimum of five (5) years as a member of the WSBA or other state bar association.
Desirable Qualifications:
The BIIA is most interested in candidates who have relevant experience, skills and abilities:
- Experience in industrial insurance cases before the BIIA or equivalent in another state; and/or
- Experience presiding as a judge in a court of general jurisdiction, a court commissioner, an administrative law judge, or a judge in a military tribunal; and/or
- Experience in trial practice or presiding over cases in which rules of evidence are followed.
- Practicing attorney for seven (7) or more years.
- Advanced litigation management skills.
- Extensive knowledge of rules of evidence and procedural issues.
- Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Excellent legal writing skills.
BIIA Core Competencies:
- Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions and can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight.
- Adaptability to Changing Needs/Flexibility - Embraces changing business needs and adapts approach, goals, and methods to achieve success.
- Customer Focus - Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the services offered by the organization.
- Diversity and Inclusion - Recognizes the value of cultural, ethnic, gender and other individual differences. Understands differences in and responds appropriately to others.
- Effective Respectful Communications - In a respectful manner, conveys clear messages that are effective in communicating information and ideas with others.
- Ethics and Integrity - Earns the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through honesty, candor, and professionalism in all interactions.
- Relationship Building - Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of teamwork, cooperation and mutual regard.
- Safety Focus - Adhere to all workplace safety laws, regulations, standards and practices.
This position includes medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, deferred compensation, flexible spending account, dependent care assistance, paid time off (sick leave, vacation leave, personal holiday, personal leave day), 11 paid holidays, and an Employee Assistance Program. Tuition Reimbursement is available for eligible employees subject to guidelines and funding. You can find more information about benefits at Benefits - careers.wa.gov.
Special Notes:
- Washington state residency is required upon hire.
- Must be able to conduct in-person hearings.
- Must be able to travel to hearing sites.
- This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Association of Industrial Appeals Judges.
- Positions assigned to the Renton Office receive an additional 5% premium pay and an ORCA card.
Interested candidates must apply on-line and attach the following:
- Cover letter specifying how you meet the qualifications listed above (no more than two pages).
- Current resume.
- List of at least three professional references.
- Current writing sample (no more than seven pages). An excerpt of a larger writing sample is acceptable.
Please attach the required documents in the "provide attachment" section of the online application (do not use the text resume within the application). Please do not attach college transcripts. Only applicants who meet the required qualifications and submit all of the required documents will be added to the recruitment pool.
Questions? If you have any questions about the recruitment or application process, please contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 753-9639 or hroffice@biia.wa.gov.
The Washington State Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender identity/expression, 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 dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at HROffice@biia.wa.gov or call 360-753-9639.
Salary : $113,712 - $116,556
