Assistant Attorney General - Social & Health Services Division, Behavioral Health Section, Tumwater

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at or

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest.

For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include:

* A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans

* Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays

* Transparent salary schedule - AAG salaries are set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA

* The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA

* Flex schedules and telecommuting options

* A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment

* Health and wellness program

* Training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide
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* The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Social and Health Services Division in Tumwater, WA has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in its Behavioral Health Section.

Our team of 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff works at the heart of Washington's social safety net. We provide legal support for five state agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA), to provide benefits, protection, and care to some of our state's most vulnerable and disenfranchised residents.

Our cases range from large federal court class action cases to individual administrative appeals. Our recent cases include challenges to state employee health benefits programs and a challenge to the adequacy of the state's mental health services.

We also handle a wide range of legal matters, including:

* Seeking protections for vulnerable adults at risk of abuse or neglect;

* Defending lawsuits brought by legal advocacy groups organizations on behalf of Medicaid recipients and individuals with disabilities;

* Complex civil rights challenges by residents of the Special Commitment Center for sexually violent predators;

* Civil and felony commitment hearings and trials;

* Contract disputes with medical providers and managed care organizations; and

* Appeals related to eligibility for medical services.

Our division is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace. We prioritize employee growth through a culture that recognizes hard work and provides active support for career advancement. Regular social events help us connect and strengthen our collaborative team dynamic - join us!

The Behavioral Health Sections represent the Behavioral Health Administration of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), including the Special Commitment Center (SCC), the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services, and Western State Hospital (WSH).

This position offers an opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated attorney to work in a collegial, fast-paced environment while developing litigation and client counseling skills in state and federal court, civil rights law, and mental health law. Our work supports clients in balancing effective treatment, individual rights, and public safety.

Attorneys in the section gain hands-on courtroom experience across Western Washington and collaborate with a close-knit team of attorneys and professional staff on a wide variety of matters. Areas of focus include:

* Civil and forensic mental health issues, including the confinement of sexually violent predators, individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity, and patients under involuntary commitment.

* Legal matters related to the operation of state psychiatric institutions and treatment facilities.

Depending on experience, responsibilities may include:

* Handling civil commitment hearings in Pierce County Superior Court (bench and jury).

* Representing SCC in federal and state litigation regarding conditions of confinement.

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