Senior Administrative Law Judge

Salary : $100,524.00 - $135,180.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01675
Department: Office of Administrative Hearings
Division: Regulatory & Education
Opening Date: 03/04/2025
Closing Date: 3/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Senior Administrative Law Judge

Office of Administrative Hearings
Regulatory & Education Division
NOTE: This position is eligible for part-time telework, as some in-person supervisory responsibilities may be necessary. If working remotely, the alternate worksite must be located in Washington state.
NOTE: This position is open to current OAH employees only. External candidates will not be considered.
NOTE: Interviews for this position will take place on March 18 and 19, 2025.
The Opportunity:

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is seeking a Senior Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to lead our Regulatory & Education Division. This position reports to the Tacoma OAH facility and is eligible for part-time telework, as there are some in-person supervisory responsibilities. If teleworking, the alternate worksite must be in Washington state.
The position of Senior Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is critical to the successful completion of the OAH mission. A Senior ALJ contributes to the mission by supervising a team of Pro Tem, Line, and Lead ALJs. This primarily includes training and coaching direct reports, assigning resources and mentors to ALJs, and overseeing work assignments, schedules and leave requests. The Senior ALJ monitors and prioritizes their own workload, and the cases assigned to direct reports in support of the agency's mission and goals. Assists the Division Chief ALJ (DIVC) in overseeing a caseload, communicating with stakeholders and employees, and filling in for the DIVC in their absence, as assigned. The Senior ALJ also completes pre-hearing work, conducts hearings that are fair in appearance and substance, and issues well-reasoned decisions within the agency's timeliness standards.
This position has oversight for agency-wide operations for the following caseloads:

• Regulatory (REG): Regulatory caseload consists of appeals or claims arising out of administrative action involving over 25 state agencies, as well as numerous local government agencies. These agencies include the Departments of Labor and Industries, Licensing, Transportation, and Financial Institutions as well as the Liquor and Cannabis Board, Gambling Commission, Washington State Patrol, and Washington State University. This caseload includes appeals arising out of determinations issued by the Employment Security Department relative to the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act. An ALJ first holds a prehearing conference to set a case schedule, including witness and exhibit disclosures, motion practice, and a hearing date. Depending on complexity, cases will resolve on summary judgment, or through an evidentiary hearing. OAH issues either an initial order, a final order, or no order at all, depending on the agency and type of case involved. Dispositive orders, if issued, are generally due 60 days after the close of record following a full adjudicative proceeding, 10 days after the close of record following a brief adjudicative proceeding, and 30 days after the close of dispositive motion briefing and/or argument.
• Unemployment Insurance (UI): The UI caseload includes hearings on all initial appeals from UI related decisions made by the Employment Security Department (ESD). Appeals may be filed by either a claimant or former employer and are filed through the ESD. ESD transmits those appeals to OAH on a daily basis. The professional staff then schedule hearings, mail Notices of Hearing to the parties, and generally manage the case pre-and-post hearing. ALJs hear the cases (almost exclusively via teleconference) and then write and issue appropriate orders. In the normal course of business ALJs have five business days to produce an order, however in order to meet Department of Labor (DOL) standards, ALJs may be required to produce orders more quickly in cases where a DOL deadline will arrive in less than five business days. Completed orders are then distributed to the relevant parties by the professional staff.

About the Agency:

The 1981 Legislature created the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) to offer Washingtonians an independent, fair, and neutral forum to hold administrative hearings on disputed matters referred by state and local government agencies. Operating out of field offices in Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane Valley there are currently 230 employees, including 120 administrative law judges who preside over administrative hearings involving unemployment insurance benefits, child support, food assistance, medical benefits, business and professional licensing, and more.
OAH conducts hearings for more than 30 agencies and 160 programs. Our referring agencies include the Employment Security Department (ESD), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Health Care Authority (HCA), Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and others.
For more information about OAH, please visit our website at
OAH Mission: To hear and independently resolve disputes between the public and state agencies with an impartial, quick, and easy to access process.

OAH Vision: All people of Washington can meaningfully participate in their hearing and understand the result.
OAH Values:

• Fairness and independence
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect
• Performance excellence
• Integrity

OAH Goals:

• Performance Excellence: We deliver high quality, timely work.
• Convenience & Accessibility: We make it easy for people to do business with us.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect: We promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect.
• Good Stewards: We are efficient, effective, and accountable.

OAH Offers:

• Work that is important and makes a difference.
• In-house training and professional development opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance, including remote work options.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to:

• For assigned ALJs, use established performance management policies and best practices to effectively:
• provide written expectations
• provide training
• provide timely feedback (both positive, and constructive)
• appropriately document feedback sessions
• evaluate performance
• create developmental opportunities for learning
• take corrective action or disciplinary action including issuing oral or written reprimands; or recommending further disciplinary action to be taken by the appointing authority, in consultation with Human Resources and/or your supervisor
• investigate and respond professionally to complaints filed or lodged against ALJs
• Comply and enforce all OAH policies, administrative and court rules, state ethics laws, and the OAH Code of Ethics.

• In collaboration with Division Chief ALJs, Senior ALJ colleagues, Legal Administrative Managers, and other offices/units as appropriate, manage performance, workload, and cultural issues that arise.
• Work with Senior ALJ colleagues and legal support staff to schedule and assign cases and other work to Lead, Line and Pro-Tem ALJs.

• Process travel, leave, telework agreements, work schedules, timesheets, and perform other administrative functions for division in accordance with agency guidelines.

• Foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture of innovation, trust, and respect that welcomes feedback and collaboration, both within the assigned division and between all other OAH offices and business units.
• Make recommendations to Division Chief ALJs and Deputy Chief ALJs, and carry out management decisions for the division and assigned caseload.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with others using a variety of communication methods, styles, and modes.
• In coordination with Division Chief ALJs, liaise with agency representatives and their first-level supervisors.
• Ensure all direct reports complete mandatory state and agency training.
• Provide orientation to new employees.

• Keep Division Chief ALJ and other supervisor(s) timely informed of work progress, significant developments, case status, and other issues.

• Complete casework commensurate with level of experience, complexity of cases, and overall agency workload as determined by the Division Chief ALJ.

• Monitor ALJ timeliness performance using reports and the case management system.
• Make day-to-day decisions needed to maintain standard operations, including giving guidance to ALJs and legal support staff. When assigned on-site leader responsibilities, communicate all emergencies or extraordinary situations that come to your attention to your supervisor and/or Headquarters.

• Serve as a resource for OAH committees and workgroups, as assigned.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of statutes, regulations, case law, and agency procedures relevant to assigned caseload(s) and keep current on new developments.
• Preside over and rule on pre-hearing, hearing, and post-hearing matters in a fair and impartial manner.
• Work with supervisors as necessary to meet assigned caseload timeliness standards and other deadlines, being mindful of time pressure and stressful circumstances related to the job.
• Use OAH equipment and technology systems to perform and manage work and communicate with others.
• Make a clear and complete hearing record.
• Make legally sufficient Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law on all contested issues.
• Write accurate legal documents that clearly set out the analysis used in reaching decisions, use proper grammar, clear language, and "plain talk" when possible.
• Demonstrate judicial demeanor and maintain control of legal proceedings involving multiple parties.
• Follow specific work directives of supervisor(s), as appropriate for the position.
• Maintain reliable and regular attendance and be readily available to coworkers and others, as appropriate for the position.
• Protect privileged and confidential information.
• Accurately track and account for case-specific work and non-billable hours.
• Appropriately demonstrates respect, diversity, equity and inclusion practices with parties, stakeholders and co-workers.

Qualifications
Required education and experience include ALL of the following:

• Juris Doctor degree or equivalent (if obtained out of the United States).
• Active or judicial membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Five (5) or more years' experience as a licensed attorney or judge.

Required position-specific competencies:

• Delivers and Drives Results:Leads by example. Demonstrates a willingness to take initiative and seizes opportunities. Creates and nurtures a performance-based culture of continuous improvement. Provides timely, quality services that consistently meet or exceed OAH standards. Uses customer feedback and evaluations as a measure of quality. Uses problem solving and analytical skills to improve processes. Evaluates relevant information to make decisions and solve problems. Prioritizes casework, assignments and projects to meet OAH standards. Uses good judgment. Pursues economy and efficiency in the use of resources.
• Develops Self and Others:Is self-aware, adaptive, and willing to learn and improve. Coaches others through purposeful instruction and targeted questioning. Gives and accepts constructive feedback. Welcomes mistakes as opportunities to learn. Creates a safe environment in which to experiment. Gives early and frequent feedback to cultivate individual growth and encourages strong performance management principles. Focuses on the situation, issue, or behavior rather than the person.
• Fosters Collaboration: Participates in, leads, and supports the team. Builds trusting, cooperative relationships and meaningful connections with supervisor and coworkers. Seeks to learn and understand rather than to be a "knower." Effectively collaborates with supervisor and appropriate others to assess needs, identify objectives, and prioritize actions to achieve team and OAH goals. Provides input and encourages the input of others on the team. Supports decisions once a decision is made. Shares pertinent information and keeps others informed of changes. Accepts and quickly implements changes to workload according to the needs of the team.
• Models the Way: Earns the trust, respect and confidence of supervisor, coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, authenticity, transparency, and professionalism. Sets personal example of ideal employee behavior for others and leads by example. Follows through on promises and commitments. Leads with humility and respect. Brings authentic best self to work.
• Supervision: Interviews, assigns and directs work, sets expectations, instructs, coaches, evaluates, and identifies training needs. Holds subordinates accountable and performs corrective and disciplinary action in partnership with Human Resources.
• Valuing Others:Develops and leverages relationships within and across work groups to achieve results. Works effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds. Seeks out and uses unique abilities, insights, and ideas from diverse individuals.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in an assigned caseload with the ability to train, mentor and educate others on the caseload.
• Adjudication experience
• Litigation experience
• Mediation experience
• Experience with subject matter of caseload(s) assigned

Supplemental Information
How to apply:
To begin the online application process, click the green "Apply" button on this announcement on careers.wa.gov or governmentjobs.com. To be considered for this position, you must include the following information in your online application and complete the supplemental questionnaire. Application materials must clearly show how you meet the qualifications for the position in order to be considered.

Application must include:

• An attached letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position; and,
• An attached detailed chronological resume; and
• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history; and
• Three professional references, including at least one supervisor, with current contact information.

OAH is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email us at OAHHR@oah.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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 (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 (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 , 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

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
01

Do you have a Juris Doctor degree?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have an active or judicial membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)?

• Yes
• No

03

Please list your WSBA license number. If you do not have a WSBA license number, please list the state and Bar number where you have a current active or judicial membership in good standing.
04

Please select the response that most accurately represents your years of experience working as a licensed attorney or judge.

• I do not have this type of experience
• Less than 5 years
• At least 5 years, but less than 10 years
• At least 10 years

05

Please select the response that most accurately represents your years of experience leading a team of attorneys.

• I do not have this type of experience
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years, but less than 5 years
• At least 5 years

06

Please BRIEFLY describe your experience leading a team of attorneys.
07

Which of the following caseloads do you have subject matter experience with? Select all that apply.

• Regulatory
• Unemployment (UI)
• I do not have experience with any of the above caseloads

08

Which of the following preferred qualifications do you have demonstrated experience with?

• Adjudication
• Litigation
• Mediation

09

Please select the option below that best represents the amount of experience you have leading, training, or mentoring other legal professionals.

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years of experience
• At least 2 years, but less than 5 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience

10

Please check the boxes that indicate you have included the following required application materials before clicking "submit" on your application:

• Letter of interest
• Chronological resume
• Complete online application profile
• Three professional references, including one supervisor, with current contact information

11

Please respond Yes or No to the following statements: All responses and statements on this application, and any other materials I have submitted to apply for this position are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the State may verify this information, and any untruthful or misleading responses are cause for rejection of this application or dismissal of employment.

• Yes
• No

Required Question