Paralegal (PL1)

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect Trust Diversity Inclusion Equity

This position is only available to current DOL employees.

At theDepartment of Licensing (DOL) we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

We are currently recruiting a Paralegal who thrives in a fast-paced environment has great attention to detail and exercises sound independent judgment to join a high performing team.

As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers enabling them to live work drive and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.

If you are a creative solutions-oriented thinker we invite you to apply!

As a Paralegal you will analyze case facts conduct legal research and prepare initial drafts of pleadings and other legal documents. You will coordinate and schedule telephonic administrative interviews for drivers contesting the suspension or withholding of their driving this role you will gather organize and review records and evidence related to pending actions to ensure complete and accurate case files. Relying on your research and analytical skills you will prepare written decisions and legal correspondence for drivers and their attorneys of record. Your work plays a critical role in promoting public safety by helping determine who is eligible to obtain retain or regain driving privileges in Washington State.

Some of what you will do:

• Receive and evaluate administrative review requests from drivers determines due process eligibility for sanctions.

• Collect organize and review all documents and information received by the Department related to the pending action.

• Evaluate all documentary evidence and information submitted by the courts or other reporting agency the drivers and their attorneys.

• Based on the review type requested provide written result/decision and/or other legal documentation to the driver and attorney of record.

• Modify the drivers DRIVES record based on court documents court judgments or administrative interview/review decisions.

What you will bring to the role:

Two (2) years of experience supporting an attorney.

OR

Paralegal Certification.

OR

Two (2) year Paralegal Degree.

• Three (3) years of experience using Microsoft Office SuiteWord Excel Outlook to create compose and edit written and illustrated materials correspondents emails reports and spreadsheets.
• Two (2) years of experience independently composing and formatting professional correspondence emails memos letters reports and/or other documents applying plain talk or clear communication guidelines.
• Two (2) years of experience performing legal research analyzing facts and evaluating cases with submitted documentation and draft results to make independent decisions.
• Two (2) years of experience interpreting and applying Washington and other state laws rules and regulations as applicable to the facts presented in certain legal cases
• The ability to:
  • Understand and follow agency values of respect trust diversity equity and inclusion through behaviors and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful equitable and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

• Knowledge of Department of Licensing rules and regulations; ability to explain Licensing and Administrative Law Offices review interview and hearings processes procedures and policies to others.
• Experience working in DRIVES user interfaces web-based applications and retrieving/updating data from unique department database systems.
• Experience reading and interpreting a drive/vehicle record and taking appropriate action based on licensing laws rules policies and procedures.
• Experience accessing interpreting and verifying data within the court data storage systems.

• This position is a hybrid position which may require you to work in office at our Olympia WA location as business needs dictate.
• Prior to a new hire a pre-employment 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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
• Attach a current:
  • A cover letter explaining your experience as it relates to this position and why you are interested in this opportunity.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age sex (including gender identity) marital status sexual orientation race religion 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.