Strategic Response Specialist

This position is open to Internal ESD Employees only.

This position will be eligible for telework full-time but may have to come into the office infrequently due to business needs.

The ideal candidate is an analytical, customer-focused professional with advanced expertise in employer compliance, regulatory interpretation, investigations, and complex problem solving within public insurance benefit programs.

They excel at researching and resolving intricate employer reporting and premium issues, interpreting and applying state laws and policies, and making well-supported decisions based on evidence and sound judgment. The successful candidate communicates complex regulatory requirements clearly, builds productive relationships with employers and stakeholders, and is committed to program integrity, continuous improvement, and delivering equitable, high-quality service that supports the Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares programs.

The Strategic Response Specialist is assigned to the Strategic Response Team within the Employer Services Unit, and reports to the Strategic Response Supervisor. This position will be primarily responsible for providing escalated support services for employers, including reporting discrepancies, payment issues, and gaining access to Leave and Care employer accounts, while also evaluating employers’ compliance with various state laws, regulations, and policies.

• Provides advanced technical assistance and consultation to employers, employer representatives, elective coverage customers, and third-party agents by resolving complex reporting, premium payment, account access, and regulatory compliance issues while ensuring accurate application of state laws and agency policies.
• Investigates employer reporting discrepancies
  , unpaid premiums, premium liabilities, fraud referrals, and other compliance concerns by researching records, analyzing evidence, conducting interviews, and coordinating with internal and external partners.
• Performs adjudicative and enforcement activities by conducting conferences and conciliations, evaluating evidence, determining violations, assessing penalties and interest, preparing case findings, and supporting administrative hearings.
• Researches and resolves employer account issues involving wage reporting, premium collections, bankruptcy, reporting irregularities, and premium recovery while maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Analyzes data, verifies calculations, monitors electronic records
  , and prepares well-supported written reports and recommendations that strengthen program integrity, improve accountability, and support legally defensible decisions.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams on policy implementation, operational improvements, rule development, outreach initiatives, and special projects while providing technical expertise to enhance Leave and Care program operations and customer service.

Option 1: Six (6) years of equivalent education/experience.

Option 2: One (1) year as an ES Benefits Specialist 2.

Option 3: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 2 with another state that administers insurance benefits programs.

Option 4: Associate degree in a health, social science, public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or a related field and Four (4) years of the required experience below.

Option 5: Bachelor’s Degree in a health, social science, public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or a related field and Two (2) year of the required experience below.

Option 6: Master’s Degree in a health, social science, public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or a related field and One (1) year of the required experience below.

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• Regulatory Knowledge & Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in explaining complex regulations clearly.
• Advanced Problem-Solving & Advising:
  Skill in addressing complex issues and providing guidance.
• Subject Matter Expertise:
  Proficiency…