Team Leader - Tacoma Division's Social & Health Services Section

Full Job Description

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 $86,328 and $161,700. 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

The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Tacoma Division has an immediate opening for a Team Leader in the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Section.

The Team Leader reports directly to Tacoma’s DCYF Section Chief and is one of four DCYF team leaders responsible for oversight of legal services provided on behalf of the Department of Children, Youth and Families in Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

The DCYF Section in Tacoma is comprised of 26 AAGs, 24 paralegals, and 5 legal office assistants.

The position does carry a caseload, is responsible for the direct supervision of AAGs, and is a member of the Tacoma Division’s Management Team. This position is part of the Pierce Team.

Requirements

The Team Leader's caseload is mostly comprised of juvenile litigation cases that are, by their very nature, emergent and emotionally charged.

The attorney will be required to work under pressure and stress and must often make prompt and timely evaluations of the facts and evidence and prepare persuasive arguments quickly.

The attorney is responsible for all aspects of the assigned caseload, including reviewing the file, preparing for hearings/trial, submitting and responding to discovery, submitting relevant briefs, motions and other pleadings, considering settlement options, keeping the client and other parties informed and meeting all case schedule deadlines.

This position may be asked to handle the subsequent appeals from their litigation caseload.

This position also requires that the individual be able to assist other attorneys general in all forms of juvenile practice as needed.

Cases assigned may also include contested adoptions under RCW Chapter 26.33, family law matters under Title 26, and public disclosure/confidentiality issues.

The position handles matters brought in Kitsap and Pierce counties.

This position advises and represents the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) in court proceedings and through appeal, requiring familiarity and knowledge of applicable rules, statutes, and procedures.

The position is located in Tacoma, Washington, a welcoming and affordable city that offers a rich history and vibrant cultural opportunities.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate for this position should have demonstrated ability in juvenile dependency and terminations, have experience litigating cases at Superior Court, presenting and defending motions, interviewing and presenting witnesses, providing client advice, and arguing before the Court of Appeals. Additionally, this position requires a demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees. Interest in appellate work is desired, but not required.

Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program; and be licensed to practice law in Washington state. (Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.

Additional Information

This Managing Assistant Attorney General 1 position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO.

Managing AAG 1 salaries are set between $86,328 and $161,700. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.

A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance.

In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.

The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services.

Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) with date law degree was conferred; and
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, you are welcome and encouraged to contact John Jaquish at john.jaquish@atg.wa.gov or 253-597-4276.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment.

Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.