Paralegal 3, Medicaid Fraud Division, Olympia

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. 

Position and Salary
 
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Paralegal 3 in the Medicaid Fraud Control Division. This position is located in Spokane, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Paralegal 3 Salary Range 59: $67,992 - $91,464 (Effective July 1, 2025)

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.

• Note: Effective July 1, 2025, Paralegal 3s assigned to work within King County receive Group C Assignment Pay in addition to their base pay. The Group C pay percentage received at this classification is a limited premium and applies at the Paralegal 3 classification.
  • King County Paralegal 3s – 5% Group C Assignment Pay

The AGO provides a workplace that is understanding of work-life balance and promotes advancement by offering a wide variety of professional development and growth opportunities.

Excellent benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance.  Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer:

• Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options;
• A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, webinar, and other cost-free support resources;
• Numerous employee-driven affinity groups to foster community and connection, including Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans and more. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference!

About the Medicaid Fraud Control Division:

The work of the Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division (MFC) focuses on both criminal and civil law enforcement. The 75% federally funded MFC‘s mission is combating provider fraud, abuse and neglect in residential facilities and involving Medicaid recipients in non-institutional settings.

MFC’s Headquarters is located in Olympia, Washington with some team members also located at the AGO's Spokane Office and Seattle Office.  The Division currently has a staff of 64 FTEs, including attorneys, special agents, data scientists, clinical health investigators and professional support staff.

MFC involves protecting not only the Medicaid program of roughly 19.6 billion dollars per annum, but also its most vulnerable persons, typically elderly persons in residential facilities or persons abused or neglected by a Medicaid Provider.  In many of our cases, there is no precedent so MFC is consistently on the cutting edge of legal theories and issues.     The cases range from abuse and neglect of persons in nursing homes, large scale organized individual and corporate civil and criminal fraudulent activity to national whistleblower actions.     Our staff is a highly professional, fun and seasoned analytical investigative team.  MFC is unique in that all cases have an attorney, special agent, data analyst assigned with legal support.  This, and the great people who make up the division, gives MFC a particularly terrific team atmosphere.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Paralegal 3

Supervises, trains and coaches legal support staff in the performance of all duties; at the expert level applies independent judgment in completing complex tasks and projects such as: Everlaw and discovery platforms, NAMFCU repository, MFC and NAMFCU evidentiary organization, schedules and conducts staff meetings; determines the distribution of subordinates’ workload to resolve workload conflicts using expert knowledge of legal support assignments; drafts new office procedures and updates office manuals to maximize the efficiency and operations of MFC.  

Develops and/or updates procedures for file organization, litigation preparation, position description forms, interviews and recommends individuals for appointment or promotion; completes evaluations and check-ins in a timely manner provides training to new and existing staff; provides new staff with orientation; assigns and monitors work of subordinate staff; conducts interim and annual performance reviews; takes corrective action, recommends disciplinary action when needed with the assistance of current supervisor and Director/Division Chief. This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.

Provides expert level support for multi yearlong investigations and evidence obtained, pre litigation discovery, ligation and post litigation. Collects, organizes, and analyzes evidence, factual information and documents related to investigations and litigations; hard copy or electronic form.  Compose legal documents. Organizes and maintains litigation, investigation, discovery, and research files and tracks cases status, documents, using document tracking logs and case management systems.   Ensures that all such materials are maintained in accordance with the MFC Operations and desk reference manuals as well as identifying any changes to the same that should be made. Participates on team meetings. Identifies compiles and prepares documents for investigations, discovery and litigation.

Incorporates technology into case management processes and case analysis; Maintains documents logs and reports. Logs, tracks, number documents, and assists with the organization and preparation of large volumes of documents; utilize document databases.  Ensures witnesses are subpoenaed and proper services and notices are completed in accordance with state and local statutes and rules. Acts as liaison between AAGs and other AGO personnel, opposing counsel, experts, witnesses, court and/or judicial department personnel and/or members of other agencies as well as the general public. Ensure updated discovery provided to all parties within required time limits. Performs legal technical work in support of AAG, investigation, and litigation actions. Checks legal citations for accuracy; advices attorneys of upcoming deadlines and special items needing their attention.   Files and serves legal documents according to current state, federal and local court rules. Prepare trial, legal, and exhibit notebooks. Schedule witnesses for trial; keep clients and witnesses informed of progress of cases. Assist attorney in developing legal strategy.

Analyzes facts of cases and interviews potential witnesses.  Assists with preparing questions for depositions and summarizes deposition contents.   Prepares and reviews discovery requests and responses.  Reviews and summarizes documents produced through documents produced through the Civil Investigative Demand (CID) process; develops and maintains databases for tracking documents and witnesses.

This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.

Qualifications:

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens. 

Combination of five years of experience* through:

• Paralegal certification
• Two-year paralegal degree
• Paralegal plus (or nine-month paralegal, post BA) certification,

and/or

• Paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney

OR

• Three years’ experience as a Paralegal 2 in Washington State Service.

*You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work.

Examples of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney:

• Preparing legal pleadings and legal correspondence
• Ensuring and verifying timely and proper service of legal documents
• Calculating, verifying, and calendaring critical events and other dates
• Managing case documents, files and exhibits
• Tracking and organizing discovery documents
• Researching legal issues and verifying legal citations and references for accuracy

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Mastery of computer skills - Uses personal computers, to produce timely and accurate work product that fully satisfies the demands of the assignment.
• Knowledge of court rules, procedures and requirements - Able to accurately and timely file court documents by applying court rules and procedures applicable to the court in which documents are to be filed.
• Communication effectiveness - Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages, verbally or written, that impacts the thoughts and actions of others; giving and receiving information; use appropriate language for knowledge and understanding of audience or reader. Maintain appropriate confidentiality, use tack and diplomacy in all interactions; use of written communication using adequate and accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling in written correspondence, including e-mail.
• Coaching and mentoring -Actively partner with co-workers to provide them with information, techniques, instruction, feedback, and encouragement to maximize success on the job.
• Workload management - Effectively handles and organizes multiple assignments, competing priorities, and urgent situations, making sound decisions to produce accurate work product thoroughly and on time.
• Record keeping/file management - Ability to collect, organize, store, maintain, and retrieve accurate records, documents and information and maintain files to ensure smooth,' efficient operation and knowledge of work product.
• Conflict Resolution - Ability to resolve or initiate resolution to interpersonal and organizational conflict.
• Adaptable/flexible-Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, work responsibilities and schedules, utilizing methods to achieve successful solutions and results.
• Reading, comprehending, and retaining information - Accurately reads, interprets, understands and retains information from written materials or instructions; effectively applies information in communicating with others, or in solving problems and carrying out work activities; ability to correct inaccuracies in punctuation, spelling or language; ability to discern intended meaning of main items or messages of document and place in context.
• Understanding and comprehension of legal and medical terminology - Demonstrate an ability to recognize the specialized vocabulary of the legal and medical profession, and ability to apply, use and comprehend said technical terms in reading and writing or producing legal documents.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A background check consisting of employment history, professional references and educational verification (e.g., degree, license, or official transcript) may be conducted. Prior to any offer, the applicant selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
 
Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state.  We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor.  The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities.  This includes:
 

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And much more!

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest.  If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you!   Learn more about the AGO here.  

Commitment to Diversity
 
 Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people.  Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.
 
One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019.  Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “work experience” and “education” sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the “work experience” section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
• 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, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests

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 race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation 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.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.