Assistant Attorney General - Social & Health Services Division, Tumwater

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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!

Requirements

Graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
Licensed to practice law in Washington State (Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission will also be considered).
Committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Responsibilities

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, and Western State Hospital (WSH).
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.
Support clients in balancing effective treatment, individual rights, and public safety.
Gain hands-on courtroom experience across Washington and collaborate with a close-knit team of attorneys and professional staff on a wide variety of matters.
Handle civil commitment hearings in Pierce, Thurston or King County Superior Court (bench and jury).
Represent SCC in federal and state litigation regarding conditions of confinement.
Manage contempt hearings, guardianship cases, public records litigation, and appeals.
Provide client advice on issues involving constitutional law, health care, reimbursement, patient rights, and facility operations.
Assist on federal class actions and complex litigation.