Child Support - Attorney

  Open: October 24, 2025 Close: When Filled Job Title: Child Support Attorney Department: Child Support Reports To: Law Office Director Hours: 40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits    Requisition: 800           *Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave. Position Summary: Performs legal work for the Puyallup Tribe Child Support Program. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Reviews child support recommendations and worksheets prepared by the Tribal Child Support case managers. Files documents with the Tribal Court and receives all child support documents from the Tribal Court. Represents the Puyallup Tribe in child support cases before the Puyallup Tribal Court to establish paternity and to establish, modify and enforce child support orders. Files contempt of court actions if appropriate. Prepares and files: proposed child support orders prior to hearing; motions with proposed orders; and legal briefs when appropriate or as ordered. Maintains an internal court docket and tickler for all hearings and filing deadlines. Reviews new case openings and reviews all cases for closures. Works cooperatively with child support staff to ensure the timely flow of cases, keeps meticulous case comments on all actions taken, and communicates regularly with child support staff to best serve children and their families. Prepares legal documents for the Tribal Child Support Enforcement program including letters, memoranda, and contracts. Provides legal review for federal narrative reports, intergovernmental agreements and the DSHS 7.01 Plan. Participates in federal site visits. Attends federal, state and intertribal child support meetings – in coordination with the program director – to ensure that the sovereignty of the Puyallup Tribe is protected. Prepares briefing memoranda and testimony for the Puyallup Tribal Council on proposed federal and state child support legislation, official issuances, agreements, forms, and processes. Drafts procedures, templates, forms, and code amendments for the child support program. Attends child support specific training and maintains Washington State Bar CLE requirements. Provides legal advice and legal assistance to the Tribal Child Support Department Director and staff regarding child support program matters. Maintains office in the Child Support Department and meets at least weekly with the Law Office Director and/or other Law Office attorneys in person, by phone or videoconference. Assists with maintenance of Child Support Legal Desk Book to guide and support other Law Office attorneys who substitute when the Child Support Attorney is on leave or otherwise provide support and backup to meet the legal needs of the Child Support Department. Performs other legal duties relevant to the Tribe’s Child Support Program as assigned.  Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Qualifications and Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience Law degree and one to two years related legal experience required.  Intermediate experience and knowledge using word processing and spreadsheets (i.e. Word for Windows, Excel, Access, etc.) Note: Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period, you will be credited with six months of experience). Language Skills Employee must demonstrate the ability to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members, all levels of staff and management. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common professional journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff and regulatory agencies. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions. Ability to effectively present information to management, employees and groups of people. Mathematical Skills Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions and apply them to practical situations. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Licenses or Certificates Must be a Washington State Bar Association Member in good standing. Must not be under disciplinary action. Must be a member of the Puyallup Tribal Court Bar in good standing or become one within one month of hiring. Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license. Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements Must pass background check. Ability to be culturally sensitive in a diverse society. Must be approved through Tribal Membership vote. Ability to remain calm in difficult situations and with intense clients. Ability to diffuse tense situations. Ability to remain impartial. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier. Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English. Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level is low to moderate. The physical exertion is low to moderate. Work is performed in an office setting. Position may be stressful at times due to the sensitive or confidential issues being addressed. Requires occasional travel using employee’s own transportation. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law Online Application Tips: 1.         If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari. 2.         Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded. 3.         Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863. 4.         Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov 5.         To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page. 6.         When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $) 7.         After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission. *Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic. If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. 3009 E. Portland Ave., Tacoma, WA 98404