See Claims Officer 1 – DSHS

Independently represent the department’s interest in adjudicative or other legal proceedings related to the establishment and collection of child support involving multiple jurisdictions and the application of foreign law. Positions serve as legal advisors to program staff.

This is the journey level of the series. Positions work under general supervision. Incumbents are generally assigned more complex issues and must use independent legal judgment when there is no existing law, regulation, or policy in place or there is a conflict between existing laws, regulations, or policies.

Conducts an ongoing review of case, family, federal, state and international laws and regulations governing establishment and collection of child support or debts due the state in connection with any DSHS program;

Under the Administrative Procedures Act, represents the department's interest in adjudicative proceedings regarding the establishment and collection of financial, health care, day care and special child-rearing expenses from parties, interpretation of superior court orders, distribution of child support payments, termination of support enforcement services, compliance of third parties regarding collection and enforcement orders, and other proceedings relating to the establishment and collection of child support;

Performs legal analysis regarding financial and property interests through the application of various laws including laws governing retirement accounts, insurance claims and settlements, and real property;

Reviews and develops case strategy prior to negotiating with private attorneys, other representatives, such as insurance companies, or the appellants directly to settle matters, such as determination of income or use of administrative remedies on real property liens;

Reviews and analyzes Explanation of Benefits, medical expense receipts, copays and insurance reimbursements, allowable expenses, and the underlying orders of support;

Conducts annual reviews of the administrative order setting out the day care obligation to a sum certain amount which requires review and analysis of the underlying orders, documentary evidence of day care paid, and determination whether any conditions precedent were met;

Reconciles amounts charged under all previous orders and makes a determination whether an overpayment or arrears were created; recommends resolution if there was a difference created which may require negotiation with the parties prior to an administrative hearing;

Analyzes and comments on proposed statutes, administrative codes, and department policies when requested; proposes needed changes in current laws, regulations, or policies;

Cooperates and works closely with the Office of the Attorney General in matters regarding statutory representation of the department;

Cooperates and works closely with prosecuting attorneys in parentage matters and the prosecution of claims against non-supporting parents;

Provides training to field office staff regarding new laws and procedures and in difficult areas of support enforcement;

Provides legal advice to district administrators, support enforcement program administrators, and other members of the department;

Represents the Division of Child Support in Tribal court; drafts orders and writes and files amicus briefs and appeals;

Serves in lieu of chair of Conference Board or Administrative Review Board and issues decisions as to agreed matters involving relief from Division of Child Support collection action or write-off of assigned debt;

May supervise lower level staff;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other related duties as required

Knowledge of: uniform laws such as the Uniform Parentage Act (UPA) and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA); statutory and administrative laws and regulations governing daycare establishment and reimbursement; jurisdiction or choice of law under UIFSA and/or the 2007 Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance; administrative laws and regulations governing medical support.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

There are legal requirements to have current admission to practice law in the state of Washington.

Current admission to practice law in the state of Washington and two years of experience as a Claims Officer (one year as a Claims Officer 1 plus one year as a Claims Officer 2 or higher), Hearings Examiner (one year as a Hearings Examiner 1 plus one year as a Hearings Examiner 2 or higher), Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Prosecutor, Judge, or other relevant experience in support enforcement, domestic relations, debt recovery, or other related program.

New class: 12-3-71
Revised definition and minimum qualifications, general revision: 6-21-73
Revised definition and general revision: 1-16-76
Revised definition: 6-10-77
Revised definition and minimum qualifications, title change (formerly Support Enforcement, District Supervisor), : 6-15-80
Revised definition: 3-3-86 (special Board meeting)
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, minimum qualifications, and general revision: 6-9-89
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 11-14-92, effective 12-1-91
Base salary range adjustment (from 60 to 61); revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, and knowledge and abilities: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023