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Division Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

Employer Info:

Office of Administrative Hearings

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foah.wa.gov%2F&
Job Name
Division Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
Brief Description
The Division Chief ALJ supports OAH and the Regulatory & Education Division by providing management of daily operations and oversight for agency-wide caseload operations. The position serves as a liaison to referring agencies, representative groups, case participants, and other stakeholders while fostering an environment in the assigned division that supports the mission, vision, values, and goals of the OAH.

The Division Chief ALJ is responsible for the performance of the ALJs in their assigned division. The Division Chief ALJ serves as a member of the OAH Leadership Team and communicates with the Chief ALJ, Deputy Chief ALJs, other Division Chief ALJs, Legal Administrative Managers, Headquarters staff, and their division on OAH and caseload-wide issues. The Division Chief ALJ serves as an advisor to the Chief ALJ, Deputy Chief ALJs, and other Division Chief ALJs on matters regarding the caseload, personnel, and other significant matters.
Job Type
Full-Time
Education Level Required
J.D. / Law Degree
Location City
Tacoma, WA , United states
Contact Person
Erin Lewis
Contact Email
oahhr@oah.wa.gov
Contact Phone
360-968-9182
How to Apply
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 required information in your online application:
A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position; and
A detailed chronological resume; and
3 professional references with current contact information; and
A complete NeoGov application profile.
Direct Link
Click here for more info
Job Details

Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Identify, lead and/or participate in process improvements, application enhancements, projects and strategic initiatives for assigned caseloads, both within OAH as well as between OAH and external stakeholders.
  • Effectively communicate the goals and outcomes of successful change, ensure that stakeholders have awareness of the need for change, and that training and systems are put in place to support people through change and sustain new processes.
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in responding to rulemaking and legislative activities impacting the caseload.
  • Make and clearly communicate well-informed operational decisions for assigned caseloads, involving SMEs and the other DIVCs as appropriate.
  • Review and evaluate current caseload performance data and develop meaningful performance measures.
  • Regularly analyze data and prepare reports to inform stakeholders on the “state of the caseload.”  
  • Establish policies and procedures in coordination with peers, stakeholders, Deputy, and Chief ALJ.
  • Champion strategic initiatives and projects involving assigned caseloads and support other initiatives across the agency.
  • Plan for Human Resource, Information Technology, Facilities, and Case Management System needs by collaborating with your management team and appropriate Headquarters units to responsibly allocate resources.
  • In collaboration with the Deputy Chief, Senior ALJs, Legal Administrative Managers, and other offices/units as appropriate, manage performance, workload, and cultural issues that arise.
  • 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.
  • Coach and mentor direct reports and others, ensuring employees receive appropriate training, including mandatory training.
  • Ensure established performance management policies and best practices are followed by Senior ALJs 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
  • Facilitate clear communication between the assigned division and Headquarters units and/or other divisions.
  • Effectively communicate across assigned caseload teams, while adjusting management skills to meet the needs of differing audiences.
  • Ensure appropriate communication and information sharing among staff through periodic meetings, celebrate successes and recognize staff achievements.
  • Approve travel, leave, telework agreements, work schedules, timesheets, and perform other administrative functions for division in accordance with agency guidelines.
  • Use agency equipment and technology systems to perform and manage work and communicate with others.
  • Ensure appropriate coverage in-office management presence and support of teleworkers.
  • Ensure the division has current safety plan and that all office employees are informed of the safety procedures, utilizing the Safety and Emergency Response Committee (SERC) members.
  • Conduct fair and impartial hearings for all parties in assigned cases.
  • Interact with the public, employees, stakeholders, support staff and other ALJs professionally.
  • Protect privileged and confidential information.
  • Comply and enforce all OAH policies, administrative and court rules, state ethics laws, and the OAH Code of Ethics.
  • Follow specific directives of supervisors.
  • Meet deadlines regardless of time pressure and stressful circumstances.
  • Maintain reliable, regular attendance, with minimal unplanned absences, and be readily available to coworkers.
  • Keep supervisor(s) timely informed of work progress, significant developments, case status, and other issues.
  • Work a sometimes unpredictable schedule that may include more than 40 hours per week and travel statewide away from the official duty station with occasional overnight trips as required
  • Appropriately demonstrates respect, diversity, equity and inclusion practices with parties, stakeholders and co-workers.Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Identify, lead and/or participate in process improvements, application enhancements, projects and strategic initiatives for assigned caseloads, both within OAH as well as between OAH and external stakeholders.
  • Effectively communicate the goals and outcomes of successful change, ensure that stakeholders have awareness of the need for change, and that training and systems are put in place to support people through change and sustain new processes.
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in responding to rulemaking and legislative activities impacting the caseload.
  • Make and clearly communicate well-informed operational decisions for assigned caseloads, involving SMEs and the other DIVCs as appropriate.
  • Review and evaluate current caseload performance data and develop meaningful performance measures.
  • Regularly analyze data and prepare reports to inform stakeholders on the “state of the caseload.”  
  • Establish policies and procedures in coordination with peers, stakeholders, Deputy, and Chief ALJ.
  • Champion strategic initiatives and projects involving assigned caseloads and support other initiatives across the agency.
  • Plan for Human Resource, Information Technology, Facilities, and Case Management System needs by collaborating with your management team and appropriate Headquarters units to responsibly allocate resources.
  • In collaboration with the Deputy Chief, Senior ALJs, Legal Administrative Managers, and other offices/units as appropriate, manage performance, workload, and cultural issues that arise.
  • 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.
  • Coach and mentor direct reports and others, ensuring employees receive appropriate training, including mandatory training.
  • Ensure established performance management policies and best practices are followed by Senior ALJs 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
  • Facilitate clear communication between the assigned division and Headquarters units and/or other divisions.
  • Effectively communicate across assigned caseload teams, while adjusting management skills to meet the needs of differing audiences.
  • Ensure appropriate communication and information sharing among staff through periodic meetings, celebrate successes and recognize staff achievements.
  • Approve travel, leave, telework agreements, work schedules, timesheets, and perform other administrative functions for division in accordance with agency guidelines.
  • Use agency equipment and technology systems to perform and manage work and communicate with others.
  • Ensure appropriate coverage in-office management presence and support of teleworkers.
  • Ensure the division has current safety plan and that all office employees are informed of the safety procedures, utilizing the Safety and Emergency Response Committee (SERC) members.
  • Conduct fair and impartial hearings for all parties in assigned cases.
  • Interact with the public, employees, stakeholders, support staff and other ALJs professionally.
  • Protect privileged and confidential information.
  • Comply and enforce all OAH policies, administrative and court rules, state ethics laws, and the OAH Code of Ethics.
  • Follow specific directives of supervisors.
  • Meet deadlines regardless of time pressure and stressful circumstances.
  • Maintain reliable, regular attendance, with minimal unplanned absences, and be readily available to coworkers.
  • Keep supervisor(s) timely informed of work progress, significant developments, case status, and other issues.
  • Work a sometimes unpredictable schedule that may include more than 40 hours per week and travel statewide away from the official duty station with occasional overnight trips as required
  • Appropriately demonstrates respect, diversity, equity and inclusion practices with parties, stakeholders and co-workers.