The Claims Officer is a professional legal series. Positions in this series work as subject matter specialists in the law and practices of the administration of Part D of Title 4 of the Social Security Act and provide legal guidance to program staff. This series is used by the Department of Social and Health Services to represent the agency’s interest in adjudicative and other legal proceedings involving the Division of Child Support.

Represents the department’s interest in adjudicative or other legal proceedings. Performs legal analysis and case preparation involving multiple jurisdictions and the application of foreign law.

This is the entry level of the series. Positions work under close supervision. Incumbents are trained in the specialized legal areas of child support and the administration of the child support program. Incumbents review cases assigned to determine causes for the hearing and make recommendations. Recommendations are based on clear and understandable guidelines.

Develops and maintains knowledge and expertise of case law, federal, state and international laws and regulations governing establishment and collection of child support and family law in general, 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;

Negotiates with private attorneys, other representatives, or the appellants directly prior to adjudicative proceedings with authority to settle the matter;

Analyzes, interprets, and assembles documentation and evidence;

Appears as the department's representative/witness before an Administrative Law Judge;

Drafts and prepares legal documents including subpoenas, motions memorandums, briefs, appeals, and response to appeals for adjudicative proceedings;

Advises and recommends to support enforcement officers and other personnel proper procedures, policies, and application of law according to federal and state statutory, administrative, and judicial law regarding the administration of the support enforcement program or debts due the state in connection with public assistance;

Explains the federal and state statutes and regulations, department policies, and fee schedules, if any, to program staff, applicants, service recipients, attorneys, and other interested persons;

Reviews and may approve proposed court orders for compliance with laws regarding support and related matters;

Reviews requests for modification of administrative and judicial support orders and makes a determination whether the request meets statutory or administrative requirements to proceed with the modification request;

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.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Current admission to practice law in the state of Washington.

New class effective June 1, 2005; Claims Officer 1 - DSHS (replaces 46750 Claims Officer 1, DSHS).
Base salary range adjustment (from 58 to 59); revised class series concept, definition, distinguishing characteristics and typical work: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.