Salary: $5,643.00 - $7,589.00 Monthly Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2024-12452 Department: Office of the Insurance Commissioner Division: Legal Affairs Opening Date: 10/31/2024 Closing Date: 12/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description This recruitment will remain open until December 1, 2024. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on November 14, 2024. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. OIC CAREER OPPORTUNITY The Office of the Insurance Commissioner's (OIC) Regulatory Investigations Unit is seeking a motivated and qualified individual to fill an Investigator 3 position This position is assigned to the Legal Affairs Division, located in our Tumwater office. The OIC's mission is to protect consumers, the public interest and our state's economy through fair and efficient regulation of the insurance industry. This position supports the mission by investigating complaints and allegations of insurance law violations. What are we looking for? We're looking for a proactive and team-oriented investigator to join our Company Investigations Unit. You should be driven to protect consumers from illegal activities and have a natural curiosity to ask the right questions and find out if any laws are being violated. What's in it for you? Joining our team, you will learn the important role the Office of the Insurance Commissioner plays in protecting consumers and get to play a significant role in providing that consumer protection to Washingtonians. In the Legal Affairs Division, you will find a great team of investigators who are friendly, hardworking, and eager to assist one another on the complex cases. You will sharpen your investigative analysis skills working on a wide variety of cases ranging from unauthorized insurers to discount plan organizations and pharmacy benefit managers. If you're interested in a dynamic career that protects consumers' interests and promotes a healthy business environment in this state, please apply and become part of our dynamic team. This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of candidates for Investigator 3 vacancies in the next sixty days. This is a Washington General Service position. The monthly salary range for this position is $5,643 - $7,589. AGENCY PROFILE AND VALUES The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) operates under the direction of the state's Insurance Commissioner, a statewide elected official. Our mission is to provide consumer protection and regulation of the state's insurance industry. With a workforce of approximately 265 employees, we are one of the smaller state agencies in Washington state government and are fortunate to have a stable funding source that does not rely on the state's general fund. Because we are a small agency, you will truly get a chance to understand the 'big picture' of what we do and why we do it. You will also have a chance to get to know your co-workers. We value diversity in the workplace. We challenge our employees to continuously improve the way we do business and to meet and exceed the needs of our customers. To learn more about this agency, we invite you to visit our website at and BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR OIC Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We offer a great selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, and compensation benefits for you and your family. Additional Benefits:
- Wellness programs.
- Dependent care assistance.
- Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
- Federal Social Security and Medicare systems.
- Additional Leave; , , ,
- Deferred Compensation (supplemental retirement plan).
- Training and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
- Program for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (if applicable)
- Free parking at our main office in Tumwater.
- A stable funding source that does not rely on the state's general fund.
- The fulfillment of public service.
- Excellent work-life balance.
- Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- Commitment to diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.
- Free Thurston County Transit public transportation.
Duties The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Accurately interpret Revised Codes of Washington (RCWs) and Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) to determine which laws are applicable to the issue(s) being investigated.
- Independently review the allegation(s) and consult the appropriate statutes to determine the legal elements.
- Independently plan the investigation to determine the facts of the case and reach a valid conclusion based on these facts.
- Independently conduct interviews, of subjects, complainants, and witnesses to obtain relevant evidence keyed to the elements of the alleged violation.
- Independently draft and obtain signed statements from interviewees to memorialize the interviews.
- Obtain relevant documentary evidence needed to prove or disprove the allegation(s).
- Independently analyze and interpret documentation for evidentiary value.
- Make legally defensible conclusions about the allegation based on the evidence gathered, keyed to the elements of the alleged violation.
- Independently conduct investigations in an objective, unbiased, and ethical manner, while demonstrating integrity and professionalism.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications: Five (5) years of professional experience satisfied by a combination of the following:
- Degree completion (associate degree = 1 year experience, bachelor's degree = 2 years' experience, and so forth).
- Two (2) years as an Investigator 2 with a Washington state government agency or equivalent regulatory compliance (ie., financial examinations or audits).
- Three (3) years of experience conducting financial examinations and/or audits or investigations of legal violations ( experience is defined below).
- Four (4) years of experience conducting financial examinations and/or audits or investigations of legal violations ( experience is defined below).
- Five (5) examinations years of experience conducting formal financial examinations and/or audits of companies, inquiries, or investigations of statutory violations. ( experience is defined below).
Experience is defined as (a) gathering and analyzing relevant, highly technical data, (b) interpreting and organizing information, (c) applying the facts to legal statutes, and (d) preparing detailed reports with conclusions supported by evidence keyed to legal statutes. Such experience may be gained through the following types of work functions: review, analysis, and evaluation of insurance contracts or forms for compliance with laws and regulations; investigation and resolution of consumer complaints; professional work experience in areas such as regulatory examinations and regulatory compliance; and ability to conduct audit activities, summarize findings, and recommend corrective actions. Additionally, after qualifying by a method above:
- Basic level MS Word and Outlook skills.
Preferred/Desired:
- Financial examination or audit experience in a regulatory environment.
- Investigative experience involving the insurance industry or other regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with RCW Title 48 and WAC 284.
- Qualifying investigative experience that was performed within the past three (3) years.
- Bachelor's degree issued by an accredited college or university.
- Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex agreements and contracts; especially insurance contracts and agreements.
Supplemental InformationHow to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large green apply button at the top of this announcement. If you have not done so previously, you will need to set up an account profile. Please provide three (3) professional references on your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Your letter of interest should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position. Applications with comments such as see attachments or see resume in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete. General suggestions for creating a good application:
- Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position.
- Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions. Include all requested documentation.
- Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications.
- Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one. Pay attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the experience. Detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate 'how'.
- Specifically include all your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained experience or skills.
- Make sure your application reflects your best writing.
Wage/salary depends on qualifications or state rules of compensation (if currently a state employee). Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Treese Beckett at Other Information:
- This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
- State law (RCW 48.02.090(5)) prohibits employees of the OIC from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions. If employment is accepted with this agency, you agree to abide by this state law.
- If a degree or other credentials are listed by the candidate, proof will be required at the finalist stage. Candidates are encouraged to pre-plan for this. University degrees must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.
- If a degree was awarded outside the United States, candidates must provide a credential evaluation report.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history 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.
- If claiming veteran status, please send your DD 214 to with DD214_2024-12452 in the subject line. Please do not attach the DD 214 to your application materials. Please black out personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
- The Office of Insurance Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please contact the recruiter listed above.
- If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing (log in, password or email issues) or completing your application (error messages), please call toll-free at (855) ###-####.
- For general questions regarding applying for jobs, contact the recruiter or
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, are entitled to three (3) 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 Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 12-31-2022 01 Do you meet the required five (5) years professional experience as described in the above job announcement?
02 If you indicated you have the required professional experience for this position, please detail the specific experience that you possess. Please do not input see resume . (If you DO NOT meet the requirements, enter N/A). 03 Are you familiar with RCW Title 48 and WAC 284?
04 Do you possess financial examination or audit experience in a regulatory environment?
05 Do you have experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex agreements and contracts, especially insurance contracts and agreements?
06 Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Outlook skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)
- I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
- BASIC: Compose email messages; send and respond to messages; organize email into folders; create contact information; schedule appointments; schedule meetings, manage tasks and notes
- INTERMEDIATE: Set calendar options; sort, find and filter messages; create distribution lists; share and delegate folder access; customize toolbar, menu bar, quick access tool bar and the To-DO bar; customize message options; use the journal entry to track and record; assign, reply and track tasks; create public folders and send and post information
- ADVANCED: Personalize with stationary and themes; create signatures; configure email security settings; group items and create search folders; apply conditional formatting; manage data files; create mail merge using contacts; archive messages
- EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Outlook functions listed above
07 Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)
- I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
- BASIC: Create, save, preview and print a basic document; edit selected text; change font appearance; highlight text; format paragraphs with tabs, borders, shading and styles; page setup, use auto correct
- INTERMEDIATE: Insert graphic objects and visual effects to a document; add tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers and footers; use the word look up (thesaurus, dictionary); customize tables and charts; modify pictures in document; create customized graphic elements; use templates
- ADVANCED: Insert content using quick parts; control text flow; perform mail merge function; uses macros for tasks; insert cover pages and table of contents; track changes and comments; insert bookmarks, footnotes and endnotes; add hyperlinks; cross-references and citations; link documents to excel worksheets; send document to PowerPoint; merge documents; redaction function; hide text; add digital signature, restrict access and use passwords; create, protect and automate forms
- EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Word functions listed above
08 In accordance with RCW 48.02.090(5), Office of Insurance Commissioner employees are prohibited from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions and employees may not hold a valid insurance license. If you have any interest in an insurance company, you must forfeit the license prior to the effective date of your appointment. If hired, do you agree to abide by this law?
09 As part of the pre-employment process, are you willing and able to undergo a criminal history background investigation? This would include a criminal records check.
- Yes
- No
- N/A - I am currently an OIC employee
Required Question