Description

Paralegal 1 (PL1/DLS) – Internal
71105413


This recruitment is open to internal HCA applicants only.


This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 10/28/2024 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.


This position performs clerical duties in support of attorneys responding to legal inquiries regarding health coverage and benefits and preparing litigation files for administrative hearings. The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) within the Division of Legal Services (DLS) manages a high volume of cases that require quick turnarounds to proceed. The PL1 is critical in preparing hearing packets and exhibits used by attorneys to make decisions in these cases and, as a result, must be highly organized and manage their time well. The work of this position is independent and requires a self-driven candidate while the team is collaborative and supportive in ensuring every team member succeeds.
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 staff attorneys, paralegal staff, and other professional hearings staff that represent HCA in administrative hearings and brief adjudicative proceedings. The Paralegals report to a managing paralegal in OLA within DLS.
About the position:
This position performs substantive paralegal duties assigned by the Paralegal 3 and OLA leadership, such as supporting OLA hearings staff in the preparation of legal documents, managing discovery, preparing substantive analytical reports using data to track and trend hearing issues and outcomes.
This work may include legal research, and analysis of fact patterns and identification of legal issues and strategy development, and the development, maintenance, and management of internal data for report production. This position has time-sensitive duties and activities that require constant attention to deadlines and very close attention to details.
This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. 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. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Gathers documents in the appeal process that are necessary for a decision maker to issue and order.
• Drafts or edits administrative hearings pleadings and motions upon attorney request and subject to review, including motions, affidavits, orders, hearing briefs, and related memorandum of law in accordance with agency rules and applicable law.
• Identifies, compiles, and selects documents and exhibits for discovery and hearings.
• Gathers, organizes, and summarizes witness information for use in hearings.
• Provides paralegal support to staff attorneys on all case types.
• Performs legal research to gather and analyze information relevant to litigation regarding specific topics, statutes, case law, court rules, and legislative history.
• Utilizes databases for tracking appeal statuses and work deadlines.
• Performs entry-level paralegal and paraprofessional support to Assistant Attorneys General and HCA hearings representatives before the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Board of Appeals, using a working knowledge of court rules, including civil and appellate procedures.
• Assists client program projects regarding public disclosure, litigation/discovery support, and support to agency operations, under the oversight of an attorney, by performing legal research and making recommendations.
• Backs up other OLA paralegal staff or administrative staff within the Intake Unit.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will demonstrate a combination of three years of experience through one of the following options:
Option 1:

• Paralegal certification and
• One year of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney, and/or experience in the legal assistant/secretary/office assistant series in support of an attorney

Option 2:

• Two-year paralegal degree and
• One year of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney, and/or experience in the legal assistant/secretary/office assistant series in support of an attorney.

Option 3:

• Three years of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney, and/or experience in the legal assistant/secretary/office assistant series in support of an attorney.

Preferred qualifications:
Experience:

• Two years of experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) in a professional office environment.
• Managing records according to record schedules.
• Providing administrative support within a government setting.

Ability to:

• Create and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external customers and co-workers.
• Maintain punctual, reliable attendance.
• Write clearly and communicate effectively with all levels of employees and with pro se Appellants.
• Manage time well and manage administrative processes within the Unit.
• Use Microsoft applications to analyze data and build accurate and professional charts, graphs, and other displays of data.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships and effective, open, and collaborative, communication with OLA staff, OLA’s customer programs, external legal advocates, the Attorney General’s Office, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, the Department of Social and Health Services, other state agencies and institutions of higher education, school employee organizations and the Office of Administrative Hearings.
• Provide excellent customer service to people who call OLA’s toll free line and to internal HCA staff.
• Respond promptly to external and internal customers using effective listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Maintain communication with clients and witnesses regarding case progress

Knowledge:

• Administrative Procedures Act and rules of evidence in WA State.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Visio, Access, Power Point, and Excel).
• Medicaid law and policies.
• Public Employee Benefits Board Program rules and policies.

How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

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 state's 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 HCA's 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.
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov or 360.725.0945.
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. 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.

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, are entitled to three (3) 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.

Updated 12-31-2022