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State of Washington

Section Chief - Regional Services Division, Vancouver

State of Washington, Vancouver, Washington, United States, 98662

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Overview

The Washington State Attorney General's Office is excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative Vancouver office where you will serve in a critical Section Chief role! About the Regional Services Division (RSD)

The Regional Services Division (RSD) comprises seven sections located in communities across Washington state. RSD staff live in the communities they serve and, therefore, are uniquely positioned as members of small and mid-sized offices while belonging to the larger agency and representing the AGO’s vision of being the best public law office in the U.S. About the RSD / Vancouver Section

The Vancouver office includes 19 attorneys and 17 legal support professional staff and provides representation to its clients through litigation and client advice. Litigation includes hearings and trials in juvenile court, superior court, and administrative hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act. RSD Vancouver attorneys are also responsible for handling cases appealed to the Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. Clients and cases are in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Wahkiakum and Klickitat counties. The office’s clients include: Department of Children, Youth and Families Department of Social and Health Services Department of Labor and Industries Department of Employment Security Department of Licensing Lower Columbia College, Clark College, Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB), Washington State Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY), and Educational Service District 112 About Vancouver

The position is located in downtown Vancouver, Washington. Vancouver has a population of about 199,600 people and is Washington's fourth largest city. Vancouver is also part of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. There are many amenities and outdoor opportunities in the area, including access to the Cascade Mountain range, Mt. Hood, the Columbia River, and various cultural and recreational options. The RSD / Vancouver Section Chief is a unique role that functions as a site manager who oversees all legal work performed in Vancouver, including coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff, and various building management administrative tasks. As the Section Chief you will wear multiple hats. You will be a decision maker for your office/site and carry a case load, primarily in juvenile litigation. You will serve as the office’s representative in the local community and interact regularly with a wide array of court partners. A typical day could include mentoring an attorney through a difficult workers’ compensation case, appearing in juvenile court and litigating on behalf of the DCYF, providing advice to an education client, meeting with the building manager, and communicating to staff about upcoming changes. Each day will be different and dynamic. Essential management functions

Hiring employees Evaluating employee performance & providing feedback Exercising sound judgment relating to legal advice Tracking caseloads Ensuring critical event deadlines are met Implementing performance management plans and policies Regularly coordinating with the RSD Division Chief Maintaining an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity Ability to be in the office a minimum of 2 to 3 days per week, or as needed to support the section and work, consistent with the AGO Telecommuting Policy and any approved leave or reasonable accommodation Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, a candidate must demonstrate Legal competency Excellent organizational and time management skills Delegation skills Strength & courage to make difficult decisions Flexibility Open & frequent communication Impeccable judgment Appreciation of and respect for people’s diverse experiences, skills, and areas for professional growth Current juvenile litigation experience* *Juvenile litigation cases involve factual and legal issues regarding the physical and mental health and safety of children in situations where DCYF initiates dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights actions under RCW Title 13. Familiarity comes from engagement in recent trainings, carrying a juvenile litigation caseload, and staying up to date with policy and practice changes. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be a creative problem solver, demonstrate a positive approach to the work and management, and an out-of-the-box thinker with management and juvenile litigation experience. Legal “Jacks of all trades” who love to multi-task but can see the big picture would thrive here. If you have the confidence to lead, implement change, and manage your own legal shop, the RSD Vancouver Section Chief might be the right position for you! 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 and values diversity and inclusivity. This Section Chief position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. MAAG2 salaries are set between $90,444 and $169,392. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. A competitive state benefits package is offered, including a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance. Non-financial benefits include a collaborative work environment that values professional development and work-life balance. The AGO emphasizes environmental stewardship in its policies. Interested applicants must apply by using the apply button above. In addition to the online application, please upload (preferably as PDFs): A letter of interest Resume Law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable) Writing sample If you have questions about this position, contact Jennifer Mankowski Dixon at the email address Jennifer.MankowskiDixon@atg.wa.gov. ************************* The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, visit www.uscis.gov. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means the AGO is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. 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, veteran status, disability, or the use of a service animal. 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.

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