Assistant Attorney General Social & Health Services Division, Behavioral Health Section, Tumwater

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1- or .

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney Generals Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state its people and resources thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO we encourage you to review the Offices Annual Report which can be foundHERE.

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 - AAG salaries are set between $82212 and $153996. The exact amount is set in accordance withAppendix B of the AWAAG CBA
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st perArticle 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGOs 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 Washington State Attorney Generals OfficesSocial and Health Services Division in Tumwater WA has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in its Behavioral Health Section.

Our team of 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff works at the heart of Washingtons social safety net. We provide legal support for five state agencies including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) to provide benefits protection and care to some of our states most vulnerable and disenfranchised residents.

Our cases range from large federal court class action cases to individual administrative appeals. Our recent cases include challenges to state employee health benefits programs and a challenge to the adequacy of the states mental health services.

We also handle a wide range of legal matters including:

• Seeking protections for vulnerable adults at risk of abuse or neglect;
• Defending lawsuits brought by legal advocacy groups organizations on behalf of Medicaid recipients and individuals with disabilities;
• Complex civil rights challenges by residents of the Special Commitment Center for sexually violent predators;
• Civil and felony commitment hearings and trials;
• Contract disputes with medical providers and managed care organizations; and
• Appeals related to eligibility for medical services.

Our division is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace. We prioritize employee growth through a culture that recognizes hard work and provides active support for career advancement. Regular social events help us connect and strengthen our collaborative team dynamic - join us!

The Behavioral Health Sections represent the Behavioral Health Administration of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) including the Special Commitment Center (SCC) the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services and Western State Hospital (WSH).

This position offers an opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated attorney to work in a collegial fast-paced environment while developing litigation and client counseling skills in state and federal court civil rights law and mental health law. Our work supports clients in balancing effective treatment individual rights and public safety.

Attorneys in the section gain hands-on courtroom experience across Western Washington and collaborate with a close-knit team of attorneys and professional staff on a wide variety of matters. Areas of focus include:

• Civil and forensic mental health issues including the confinement of sexually violent predators individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity and patients under involuntary commitment.
• Legal matters related to the operation of state psychiatric institutions and treatment facilities.

Depending on experience responsibilities may include:

• Handling civil commitment hearings in Pierce County Superior Court (bench and jury).
• Representing SCC in federal and state litigation regarding conditions of confinement.
• Managing contempt hearings guardianship cases public records litigation and appeals.
• Providing client advice on issues involving constitutional law health care reimbursement patient rights and facility operations.
• Assisting on federal class actions and complex litigation.

This full-time position is based in Tumwater WA with travel primarily to Pierce County and other Western Washington courthouses. Many courts allow remote appearances though in-person attendance may be required especially for the regular docket at WSH.

In addition to meeting the requirement to serve as an Assistant Attorney General desirable qualities and experience include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability and interest in working in a team setting;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing demands;
• Ability to multitask and willingness to provide coverage for others;
• Comfortable working in settings around people with mental illness who are being treated against their will; and
• Respect and collegiality toward support staff and attorneys contributing to our highly valued positive work environment.

This position involves litigation in a variety of settings as described above. As a result some litigation experience is desired but it is not required. If you do not have litigation experience but are enthusiastic about getting this experience we encourage you to apply.

This 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. AAG salaries are set between $82212and $153996. The exact amount is set in accordance withArticle 10.8 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 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 AGOsenvironmental policies.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the apply button addition to the on-line application one must upload via the system preferably as PDFs:

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

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Allie King at or .

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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.

The AGO 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. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1- or.