Industrial Appeals Judge 4

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) is offering a challenging and rewarding opportunity for the right individual to make a difference through serving the state of Washington. Our employees are our most valuable resource: diverse, energetic, innovative thinkers who care equally about producing quality work and serving the public. A diverse workforce is critical to our success. We are committed to preserving our culture of diversity and inclusion and to providing a work environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. The BIIA is a great place to work! We offer flexibility and mobility in the workplace to enhance work/life balance, to improve wellness, and to support a productive work environment, increased job satisfaction and engagement. The BIIA is a medium-sized state agency under the administration of three, full-time Board Members. The BIIA is independent from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and hears appeals from decisions made by L&I in several areas. The three principal types of appeals are: Industrial insurance (workers' compensation). Safety citations under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA). Employer Premiums (Tax Assessment or Classification).

Requirements

Must be an active or judicial member of the Washington State Bar Association.
Practicing attorney for at least (5) years as a member of the WSBA or other state bar association.
Significant knowledge and experience in Washington State Industrial Insurance law.
Significant experience as a presiding officer or attorney in proceedings before state or federal tribunals in which the rules of evidence are followed.

Nice To Haves

Practicing attorney for seven or more years.
Excellent legal writing skills.
Clear and effective oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to research and apply appropriate laws, rules and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to conduct mediation conferences while maintaining order and exhibiting judicial temperament and demeanor.
Demonstrated ability to maintain and manage a mediation caseload to effectively and efficiently use the resources of the agency.
Demonstrated advanced litigation management skills, particularly in complex litigation involving diverse interests advocated by multiple skilled professionals.
Demonstrated ability to rule on admissibility of evidence and procedural issues consistent with pertinent law and procedural rules and develop a record that is sufficient for decision.
Demonstrated ability to discern and sift through jurisdictional details.
Fluency in languages in addition to English.
Demonstrated ability to use computers and software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer programs.
Demonstrated ability to act in a professional and ethical manner and treat all people with dignity and courtesy.
Demonstrated ability to meet performance standards, deadlines, and work schedules.

Responsibilities

Review written proposed decisions and orders of Industrial Appeals Judges, motions for stay of benefits, motions for stay of abatement, and applications for approval of claim resolution settlement agreements.
Recommend action to the Board in written memoranda.
Draft final orders for signature of the Board.
Conduct mediation and settlement conferences and prepare orders on agreement of parties.
Review communications, documents, case files, and other writings to determine the Board's jurisdiction over appeals.
Draft legal memoranda on various legal issues.
Advise BIIA staff on jurisdictional, scope of review, docketing, and other legal issues.
Prepare, review, and/or revise final orders denying appeal, orders regarding jurisdiction, and final orders granting relief on the record for signature of the Board.
Assist the Assistant Chief of New Appeals with data collection, and quality improvement initiatives.
When assigned, review written proposed decisions and orders of Industrial Appeals Judges, motions for stay of benefits, motions for stay of abatement, and applications for approval of structured settlement agreements.
When assigned, conduct mediation and settlement conferences and prepare orders on agreement of parties.
Convene conferences and show cause hearings to resolve jurisdictional questions in appeals filed with the BIIA.
Serve as a Hearings Judge presiding over conferences and hearings where evidence is presented pursuant to Rules of Evidence and Superior Court Rules, and issuing written decisions resolving appeals filed under the Industrial Insurance Act, Crime Victims Compensation Act, Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, and other acts as determined by the Legislature.

Benefits

Continuing Legal Education: We will pay for your CLEs!
WSBA Membership: We will reimburse you for annual WSBA dues!
Telework: Judges are eligible to telework!
medical
dental
life insurance
long-term disability
retirement
deferred compensation
flexible spending account
dependent care assistance
paid time off (sick leave, vacation leave, personal holiday, personal leave day)
11 paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement is available for eligible employees subject to guidelines and funding.