Assistant Attorney General - Social & Health Services Division, Tumwater

Benefits: 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 $83,856 and $157,080. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA Flex schedules and telecommuting options A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's 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 Social and Health Services Division of the WA State Attorney General's Office in Tumwater, WA seeks an experienced attorney for its Behavioral Health Section Our team of 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff work at the heart of Washington’s 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 state’s 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 state’s 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!

Duties: The Behavioral Health Sections represent the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), including the Special Commitment Center (SCC), the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS), 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 behavioral 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.

Responsibilities: Handling civil commitment hearings in Pierce, Thurston or King 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. Location 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. Contact 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 Natalie King at Natalie.King@atg.wa.gov or 360.586.6485. Equality & Diversity 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 HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.