Remote Cognizant Claims Processing Jobs in Rochester, WA

Salary : $84,528.00 - $113,736.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06028
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ESA
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), (ESA), is seeking a licensed attorney to serve as a Claims Officer 4 with our Virtual Legal Office. Official duty stations will be held in either our Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, Vancouver, Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, or Kennewick DCS Field Offices. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to telework and work in-office, depending on business needs.
As part of the (DCS), you will lead a team of attorneys and professional staff, providing supervision, training, and development to support their success. In this role, you will represent the department's interests in legal proceedings, offer guidance to management and staff, and collaborate with the DCS Policy Unit to address complex issues and develop solutions. This position is ideal for a self-motivated leader with strong communication skills who thrives in a dynamic, autonomous environment.
Some of what you'll do:

• Supervise and train claims officers and DCS personnel in a remote environment. Manage recruitment, hiring, and staff development while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Establish team procedures and expectations, ensuring statewide consistency in interpreting laws, regulations, and policies by collaborating with other VLO team leaders and participating in strategic meetings.
• Monitor staff performance through data reviews, quality assurance audits, and detailed case evaluations. Implement accountability measures and corrective actions in a collective bargaining environment.
• Provide legal guidance to management, staff, and claims officers on complex cases, including state, federal, tribal, and international statutes. Assist in accurate establishment and enforcement of child support orders.
• Represent the department in adjudicative proceedings, handling complex cases, including international disputes. Negotiate settlements, prepare legal arguments, and present evidence to ensure favorable outcomes.
• Develop resources and deliver training to improve operational efficiencies and support staff understanding of new laws, procedures, and policies.
• Represent the VLO in workgroups and committees addressing policy changes, process improvements, and strategic initiatives. Provide input on regulations and advocate for effective solutions.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Who should apply?

• Professionals with current admission to practice law in the State of Washington

and,

• Two years of experience as a Claims Officer 2 or one year as a Clams Officer 3, and completion of the professional development program.

or,

• Four years of experience as a Hearings Examiner in a governmental agency, an Assistant Attorney General or Deputy Prosecutor in support enforcement or other debt recovery matter or other relevant experience in support enforcement, domestic relations, debt recovery or other related programs.

What we are looking for:

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in emotionally charged or difficult situations, primarily in a virtual environment using telephonic and electronic systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work professionally with DCS staff, attorneys, prosecutors, and other parties involved in child support cases or hearings.
• Knowledge of child support statutes, regulations, court decisions, and department policies, including enforcement, modification, and distribution.
• Ability to conduct legal research, analyze complex information, and provide sound advice on child support enforcement cases and remedies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely to various audiences, and the ability to travel as needed.

Interested?Please include the following with your application:

• Current resume
• A cover letter that articulates how your experience and education have prepared you for this job
• Professional references with current contact information

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions?Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Chris Pulley at and reference job number #06028.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
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