Description
Vision
Safe communities for Washington State
This is a non-permanent position expected to last four to six months
Who we are
The mission of the Liquor and Cannabis Board is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. At the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) we pride ourselves on creating the "wow" factor in everything we do. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance. We strive to be a great place to work by fostering a safe, open, inclusive and healthy work environment. We want to ensure that our organization is as diverse and inclusive as our great State of Washington. We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business initiated
Your opportunity at a glance
The Enforcement and Education Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for a non-permanent Legal Assistant 2. The Legal Assistant 2 reports to the Hearing Examiner 3 and provides support for the administrative hearing process. This position independently offers journey-level legal support to the Hearings Examiner 3 to ensure the operations of the hearings unit are efficient and effective. Using independent judgment, this position establishes priorities, problem solves, and is the first point of contact for customers and LEO's regarding scheduling of hearings, monetary payments, suspension scheduling and liquor laws, rules and policies. As the Legal Assistant 2, you will be responsible for basic legal research, reviewing and compiling hearing documents, and drafting/proofing settlement agreements. Additionally, this position also provides administrative support to the Deputy Chief of Enforcement and is part of the Headquarters and Division Support team.
Duties
Hearings Coordinator – Scheduling and coordinating hearings in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
First point of contact for licensee's, answering questions regarding hearings process, i.e., statues and rules, for alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and vaporizing programs; fields requests for consideration of reversal for late or failed to comply AVNs/TVNs and provides all pertinent information to the Deputy Chief for decision; provides information to both the public and LEO's regarding monetary payments and suspension status of AVNs/TVNs
Schedule requested informal hearings for licensees, maintaining Hearing Examiner outlook calendar for the hearings, and forwards requests for formal hearings to Adjudication Coordinator.
Prepare correspondence regarding scheduling, prepares files insuring all information is received prior to hearing and file is forwarded to Hearings Examiner
Maintain filing system and coordinates with agency record retention policies
Audit information received from field operations and confirm correct data collected, completeness of forms, and timely submittals.
Organize information for statistical reviews and/or calculation using Excel spreadsheets
Monitor timelines for timely hearing requests/monetary penalties
Maintain open lines of communications with both field and office staff.
Responsible for the hearings process records management and follows the retention schedule.
Legal Support to Hearings Unit
Under the direction and instruction of the Hearings Officer 3, conduct basic legal research of issues as needed by the Hearings unit.
Draft and proofread compromise agreements. Review the case file and ensure that references and citations are accurate throughout the agreement.
Advise licensees of their rights and options relating to reaching or not reaching a compromise agreement.
Find and track key dates in the process of managing cases going to hearings.
Track cases going through the formal Administrative Hearings process and communicate outcomes to the Hearings Examiner and Deputy Chief.
Review cases and presents reoccurring issues with cases to be addressed by the Deputy Chief.
Present case issues to Deputy Chief or Commander for decisions in outcomes.
Manage case documents, files, and exhibits.
Review and interpret the Administrative Procedures Act as well as Washington State Code regarding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and vaporizing as it relates to the administrative hearings process.
Process Compromise Agreement and Maintain Collections
Review compromise agreement for accuracy.
Determine the level of approval needed. Submit to Hearings Examiner and either the Enforcement Chief or Board for final approval.
Draft letter outlining the compromise agreement and send letter and approved agreement to the licensee.
Track timelines for payments and identifies overdue payments. Escalates overdue payments to the Deputy Chief.
Track tobacco tickets and non-suspension marijuana cases to be sent to collections should payment not be received.
Track process in Enforcement Notebook, update case dispositions, and attach necessary documents.
Prepare work products for proper monthly report requirements.
Administrative Support
Answering phone calls, taking messages and ensuring they are received by the intended recipient in a timely manner
Proofreading documents for grammar, spelling and style to ensure compliance with agency correspondence manual
Maintain hearings unit filing system and coordinate with agency record and retention policies.
Collect, organize, maintain, and provide monthly statistical unit performance data to the unit supervisor
Maintain desk manual for alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and vaporizing programs
Analyze and work with Hearings Examiner in ongoing improvement of the hearings process
Scheduling interpreters upon request
Processes the division's incoming and outgoing mail daily.
Qualifications
Required:
High School diploma or equivalent and three years of experience offering professional support in an office environment.
OR
A two-year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field and one year of experience offering professional support in an office environment. A Bachelor's degree may substitute for the two-year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook.
Desired:
Two years of experience in a legal environment in support of an attorney, administrative law judge(s), industrial insurance appeals judge(s), review judge(s), hearings officer, or equivalent.
A two- or four-year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related.
Special Requirements:
Must successfully pass a credit check.
Must maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
Must successfully pass a criminal history and fingerprint background check.
Must successfully pass a drug/alcohol screening.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so WILL result in your application being disqualified:
1. Resume, detailing experience and education.
2. Letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
3. At least three professional references to include a recent or current supervisor with current contact numbers and email addresses
**A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history, including a credit check will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Other
Applicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW 66.08.080, which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.
RCW 69.50.351, no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.
As a condition of employment, the candidate accepting this position will be required to comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the union. This means that, as a condition of employment the candidate must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
WSLCB 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 diversity, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1636. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.