L&I Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 4

L&I Workers Compensation Adjudicator 4

Salary

$66,072.00 - $88,788.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-09400

Department

Dept. of Labor & Industries

Division

Insurance Services - Legal Services

Opening Date

11/12/2026

Closing Date

11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please Note: This opportunity is open to current Labor & Industries employees only. If you apply and are not a current employee, you will not be considered.

Job Highlights

The Department of Labor and Industries is seeking a Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 4 (WCA4), to join our Third-Party unit within the Legal Services Program of our Insurance Services Division.

In this position, you will review and analyze injured worker tort claim mediation and settlement requests and engage in adjudication of cases. You will have extensive communication and interactions with internal and external stakeholders concerning individual cases and ensure decisions are made based on the appropriate application of legislative intent, rules and policies. You will serve as a mentor and coach to other staff to ensure understanding of Third Party claims and settlements and provide feedback to employees and their supervisors.

You will be responsible for making recommendations to your supervisor to support continual process and outcome improvements. This position has a key role in ensuring the unit achieves the expected outcomes set forth by leadership.

Why Work for us:

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washingtons workers. We help employers meet safety and health standards and inspect workplaces when alerted to hazards. As administrators of the states workers compensation system, we are similar to a large insurance company providing medical and limited wage-replacement coverage to workers who suffer job-related injuries and illness. Our rules and enforcement programs also help ensure workers are paid what they are owed, that childrens and teens work hours are limited, and that consumers are protected from unsound business practices.

Insurance Services is the largest division within the agency and administers one of the premier workers' compensation organizations in the nation serving over 3.8 million employees working for 260,000 employers.

The Legal Services Program, Third Party Unit, is responsible for the recovery of Workers' Compensation Benefits paid due to the fault of a third party. They ensure the costs of industrial insurance are shifted to the responsible party, and they review personal injury settlement proposals and approve the distribution of shares.

Here is what we are looking for:

• Ability to effectively communicate complex information clearly and succinctly in a way that is easy to understand for a variety of audiences both orally and in written format.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt to changes.
• Ability to review, independently interpret, analyze, and apply specialized program policies and procedures to draw sound conclusions and make recommendations and decisions based on data.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to authentically listen and collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds to build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively organize multiple assignments and remain focused on priorities and progress to produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and partner with others to contribute to respectful working relationships and team cohesion.
• Knowledge and experience of Washington's Workers' Compensation claims management processes and adjudication of time-loss payments.
• Ability to coach and mentor others to ensure consistent understanding and interpretation of policies, procedures and laws.

Duties

Some of what you'll do:

• Review, analyze, and use independent judgement to take appropriate action on tort claims and settlement requests.

• Participate in recovering funds through demand submission, negotiations with attorneys, and mediators on behalf of the state fund.

• Authorize and finalize settlement agreements, allocations, compromise agreements, and distribution of funds.

• Review claims for potential State Assistant Attorney General referrals and refer claims if needed.

• Communicate with injured workers and other parties concerning individual cases ensuring the appropriate application of the legislative intent, rules and policies.

• Compose and send correspondence including legal orders and contractual documents.

• Coach and mentor unit staff and consult with other claims staff with the agency to ensure consistent understanding and interpretation of policies, procedures and laws.

• And much more!

Qualifications

Required:

• A total of seven (7) years of demonstrate experience adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments, working with insurance claims, claims/insurance adjusting, claims investigations, disability management, claims risk management/loss control, medical billing, medical insurance, paralegal personal injury services or paramedical occupations will substitute for required education.

OR

• An Associate's degree AND five (5) years of experience in adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years of experience in adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments.

OR

• Successful completion of the Department of Labor and Industries Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 2 Apprenticeship program AND One (1) year of experience as a Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 3.

AND

• Knowledge of insurance claims and personal injury law.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired:

• Experience with mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution of complex issues.
• Paralegal certification (such as CP, ACP, etc.) or experience as a legal assistant.
• Knowledge of tort law, outside insurance industry and/or third-party claims administration.
• Ability to make effective, well-reasoned decisions in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in sophisticated analysis of complex issues.
• Ability to bring people together to find solutions to complex problems.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to proofread and finalize correspondence.
• Demonstrated effectiveness interacting with a wide range of internal and external customers and stakeholders.

Supplemental Information

Things You Need to Know

At L&I, your voice matters. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health and security of Washingtons 3.3 million workers. Watch this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

L&I provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including paid leave, tuition reimbursement, Infants at Work Program and a generous retirement package for qualified employees at the end of their career. Click on the "Benefits" tab to learn more.

We value our employees and their work-life balance. We support a hybrid work model and offer flexible custom work schedules. This position is eligible for a flexible schedule (4/10's, 9/80's, 5/8's, etc.) upon approval by management.

For this position, teleworking is permitted frequently, with the expectation to report to the office at least once a week, as well as to attend in-person meetings, training, or upon business needs. The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, Washington.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.

Application process

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit a complete online application including detailed work history and professional references with current phone numbers.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• A cover letter describing your specific qualifications.
• A current resume detailing your applicable experience and education.

We will contact the top candidates directly to advance in the selection process. Because we base the selection on the information you provide, please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your experience relates to the qualifications and responsibilities described in this announcement.

Applications with incomplete work history, references to a resume in place of detailed work experience, or missing attachments may be considered incomplete and not considered for further review.

Please do not attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at Hiring Process at L&I.

Background Check Notice:

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history records will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other information

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted drivers license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is Americas Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I's Jobs@lni.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contributes to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest source of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Angela Laramie at HRBTU@lni.wa.gov.

#LI-DNI

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• L&I Talent Management Consultant
• L&I Employee
• Professional/Personal Network
• Monster
• College/University Website/Career Fair
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Verg
• Craigslist
• Indeed
• Twitter
• Job Fair (Military)
• Career Fair
• EHS Careers
• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
• Radio Advertisement
• Newspaper/Magazine
• L&I Website
• Other

02

If you indicated "Other" please specify where you heard about this position.

03

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?

• Yes
• No

04

PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.

• I will NOT attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If I do, I understand that it will be rejected and I may be provided an opportunity to apply again without including my confidential health information, while the posting is still open and applications are being accepted.
• I will not share my medical information with hiring managers or interview panels.

05

Please select the option that best fits your education/experience.

• A total of seven (7) years of demonstrate experience adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments, working with insurance claims, claims/insurance adjusting, claims investigations, disability management, claims risk management/loss control, medical billing, medical insurance, paralegal personal injury services or paramedical occupations.
• An Associate's degree AND five (5) years of experience in adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments.
• A Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years of experience in adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments.
• Successful completion of the Department of Labor and Industries Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 2 Apprenticeship program AND One (1) year of experience as a Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 3.
• I do not have this education/experience.

06

Do you have knowledge and/or experience with tort law or settlement requests?

• Yes
• No

07

If your answer to the above question was yes, please provide a brief explanation of your experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

08

Please explain how your claims experience would relate to our work in third party recoveries.

09

This recruitment opportunity is for current L&I employees only. Are you a current L&I employee?

• Yes
• No

10

To be considered for this opportunity we require you to attach a resume and cover letter. Have you attached both documents?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov