Legal Administrative Manager

Legal Administrative Manager (LAM/DLS) - Nonpermanent

Salary

$64,512.00 - $86,688.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06454

Department

Health Care Authority

Division

DLS

Description

Legal Administrative Manager (LAM/DLS) - Nonpermanent

71070970

This is a non-permanent position with an anticipated start date of 10/01/2026 and an ending date of 04/30/2027.

The Legal Administrative Manager serves as the primary administrative lead for the Office of Legal Affairs, overseeing the day-to-day operations, and supervising legal assistants within the Intake Unit. This position works closely with management to keep business running smoothly. Based in Olympia, this primarily on-site position is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful experience in State service or build on an existing legal administrative career.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides support to the entire agency to mitigate risks, comply with changing laws, and assist the agency in accomplishing its strategic and tactical goals. The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is comprised of legal services advisors (attorneys), paralegal staff, and other professional hearings staff that represent HCA in administrative hearings and brief adjudicative proceedings and provide legal services to HCA programs and staff.

About the position:

The Legal Administrative Manager serves as the primary administrative support of OLA and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the office. This position also supervises legal assistants Intake Unit. This position reports directly to the Section Manager but may take direction and assignments from the Supervising Legal Services Advisor.

This position reports onsite and may be eligible for ad-hoc telework. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the administrative and business operations of OLA
• Ensures OLA business processes are operating as designed; Serves as the primary legal/administrative assistant and leads work of others
• Monitors the operating budget of the office; Acts as liaison between OLA and partner agencies or entities such as the HCA Board of Appeals
• Serves as principal administrative support for the Section Manager
• Drafts meeting agendas and correspondence on behalf of the Section Manager or OLA leadership team in accordance with HCA's Style Guide
• Prepares reoccurring and ad hoc workload management reports using appeals databases and systems for OLA dockets or caseloads.
• Coordinates with IT and facilities for general maintenance, repairs, and other needs for the OLA.
• Assists OLA leadership in maintaining, organizing, and creating files.
• Supervises, coaches, mentors, and trains the legal assistants within the Intake Unit which includes developing or updating position description forms, conducting interim and annual performance reviews, taking corrective action, recommending disciplinary action when needed in accordance with HCA administrative policies and procedures and any collective bargaining agreement, if applicable.
• Determines the distribution of work and resolves workload conflicts to meet deadlines and minimize overtime if applicable.
• Reviews work product of legal assistants for accuracy, completeness and compliance using expert knowledge of agency legal procedures and court rules.
• Ensures personnel issues are handled properly and in a timely manner by contacting Human Resources for guidance.
• Maintains and keeps up to date the OLA desk manuals for the Appeals Intake Unit.
• Coordinates and serves as back-up to the legal assistants within OLA.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Bachelors degree in public administration or allied field, and three (3) years of experience supervising, leading, mentoring, coaching or training staff in a legal or judicial setting.

Option 2:

Associate degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of experience supervising, leading, mentoring, coaching or training staff in a legal or judicial setting.

Option 3:

Seven (7) years of experience supervising, leading, mentoring, coaching or training staff in a legal or judicial setting.

Option 4:

One (1) year as a Legal Assistant 4 in State service.

Option 5:

Two (2) years as a Legal Assistant 3 in State service.

Required competencies, skills and abilities:

• Must be able to effectively speak before groups using tact and diplomacy.
• Prepare clear, concise and factual written reports.
• Be results oriented and manage the work of others.
• Work effectively with other departments and government agencies, adapt to changing needs, requirements, and equipment.
• Learn and apply laws, policies, and procedures, using good judgment to evaluate situations and make decisions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Model professional and respectful behavior to staff, colleagues, and clients.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Note: Candidates may be required to demonstrate skills in keyboarding, filing, proofreading, grammar, spelling and use of office equipment through agency specific skills testing

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:

Functioning as both the states largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCAs Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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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. Thats 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.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

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.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

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.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

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.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and 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