| Location | Tumwater, WA |
| Salary | $66,072–$88,788 Per Year |
L&I Workers Compensation Adjudicator 4 - Unit Lead/Wage Specialist
Salary
$66,072.00 - $88,788.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-08407
Department
Dept. of Labor & Industries
Division
Insurance Services - Self Insurance
Opening Date
10/07/2026
Closing Date
10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability
Job Highlights
The Department of Labor and Industries is seeking a Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 4 (WCA4), Unit Lead Wage Specialist, to join our team in the Self Insurance Program within our Insurance Services Division.
In this position, you will serve as a technical resource to the unit Claims Supervisor, unit staff, and the self-insured community on complex wage and claim issues. You will make recommendations to the Director for discretionary items and perform quality reviews of adjudicative actions of internal staff to ensure decisions are based on rules, regulations and laws.
This position directly supports the agency mission by reducing the economic hardship to injured workers and self-insured employers by adjudicating benefit requests within the program's performance measurements and expectations.
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 Insurance Services Self-Insurance program is dedicated to supporting employers and protecting workers by providing impartial oversight and timely, expert services to all employers in Washington State that elect to administer and pay their own workers' compensation claims.
Here is what we are looking for:
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
Qualifications
Required:
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
OR
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
Equivalent education/experience.
Additional experience 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, year for year, for required education.
AND
Desired:
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 full time. 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:
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. If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.
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
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.
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?
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?
04
PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.
05
Have you successfully completed the Department of Labor and Industries Workers' Compensation Adjudicator 2 Apprenticeship program AND have One (1) year of experience as a WCA 3?
06
Do you have Bachelor's degree AND Three (3) years of experience in adjudicating workers' or crime victims' compensation insurance claims, or adjudication of time-loss payments?
07
If you answered NO to the BOTH previous questions, please explain your equivalent education/experience. (Additional experience 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 would substitute, year for year, for required education) If you answered YES to one of the previous questions enter N/A:
08
To be considered for this opportunity we require you to attach a resume and cover letter. Have you attached both documents?
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