Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney (LE 3) – DOH8758

Location: Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
Work Model: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Salary: $7,443.00 – $10,004.00 Monthly

Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA)

Description

These positions are hybrid, full-time Legal Examiner 3 (LE 3) roles located at the Tumwater DOH office. This posting will fill one non-permanent appointment (anticipated 12 months) and one permanent appointment.

The Washington State Department of Health is seeking two Staff Attorneys to deliver high-quality legal services to Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) programs and related entities. These roles directly support the agency mission to protect and improve the health of Washingtonians by applying legal expertise to manage complex discipline cases.

HSQA’s vision is to be a leader in patient safety, prevention, and health systems development. Its values include integrity, accountability, effectiveness, responsiveness, cultural competency, courage to change, and a strong commitment to serving the public.

Key Responsibilities Include

Analyzing facts and law and recommending an appropriate form of action.
Conducting legal research on state/federal legislation, case law, and administrative decisions.
Drafting legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, briefs, interpretive guidelines, rules, and proposed legislation.
Negotiating settlements for disciplinary cases, including conditions and restrictions.
Assisting programs with general legal issues and serving as a resource on projects, work groups, and quality improvement initiatives.

These positions play a vital role in protecting public health and safety by applying knowledge of state laws, including the Uniform Disciplinary Act, Washington Administrative Procedure Act, and related case law.

Hybrid Expectation: Approximately 1–2 days per week in the Tumwater DOH office.

Required Qualifications

You must meet ONE of the following options, plus all additional criteria listed:

Option 1: Three (3) years as a Legal Examiner or attorney in a governmental agency.
Option 2: One (1) year as a Legal Examiner 2.
Option 3: Three (3) years of experience as a member of an administrative tribunal issuing findings of fact and law.
Option 4: Three (3) years of trial practice as an attorney (public or private) or equivalent.

AND for all options:
• Admission in good standing to practice law in Washington State.
• Background check required after conditional offer (results reviewed for suitability).

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act.
Working knowledge of case law related to administrative and health law.

Benefits and Lifestyle

The DOH provides a highly competitive benefits package supporting work-life balance. 

We Are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

We safeguard public health through collaboration with local, state, federal, and private partners. Our organizational priorities are Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, guided by our Transformational Plan for Washington’s health future.

Conditions of Employment

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Employees must be prepared to:
• Commit to a full-time 40-hour workweek
• Communicate via MS Teams, Outlook, and phone while remote
• Occasionally adjust schedules (evenings/weekends)
• Work remotely or onsite as required
• Lift/move up to 35 lbs
• Travel within WA, including overnight travel
• Legally drive or arrange transportation
• Participate in emergency response assignments

Application Directions

• Resume
• Cover letter
• At least three professional references (supervisor, peer, and someone you’ve supervised if applicable)
• DD-214 (if claiming veterans preference)

Document experience, skills, and abilities clearly as they relate to the listed qualifications.

Do NOT include:
• Personal photos
• Transcripts
• Certifications or diplomas
• Portfolios or project samples
• Letters of recommendation

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, or any legally protected status.

We value diversity as foundational to our strength and our ability to serve Washington’s communities effectively.

Questions or Accommodation Requests

Contact: Kristina Cox – employment@doh.wa.gov
Reference: DOH8758

For technical support: NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627