PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Join Our Passionate Public Defense Team!We Want You to Join Our Passionate Public Defense Team!About the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD): We are an independent judicial branch agency mandated to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state.Mission: Upholding the rights of all people who are facing the loss of liberty or family by providing statewide leadership, administration, and support to the multidisciplinary public defense profession.Vision: Public defense clients, everywhere in the state, receive truly equitable and client-centered representation from fully supported professionals.Values: Justice * Service * Equity * ExcellenceWe administer a variety of programs, including systemic improvement programs and programs providing direct representation. To learn about OPD's programs, please visit our website. We are dedicated to excellence in public law and indigent defense, and we seek talented candidates who share this commitment to client-centered service. We value employees who bring diverse backgrounds in education, employment, community activities, and life experiences to enhance our office.The Appellate and Post-Conviction UnitThe Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is charged with recruiting and supporting contract attorneys who represent clients in appellate and post-conviction proceedings at the WA Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Additionally, OPD has limited funding to assist certain individuals file their first, timely personal restraint petition. To fulfill these duties, OPD is required to provide technical assistance, training, and resources to its contract attorneys to ensure the highest level of representation. To accomplish this, OPD is intent on developing its internal capacity to design and deliver this support. Critical to this will be the Program Assistant.Diversity, Equity and InclusionWe vigorously pursue diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 year of age, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, people with prior child welfare involvement, and military veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.DutiesThe Program Assistant will provide administrative support to the unit Supervising Attorney and Resource Attorneys. The Program Assistant manages a schedule of routine tasks, special projects, and time sensitive requests.

Task prioritization, time management, a self-directed work style, and a flexible workflow are essential to success in this role.Periodic travel is required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel. Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently.General ResponsibilitiesExercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations while maintaining client confidentially and proper discretionRespond to inquiries and explain complex processes to various audiences including contractors and callers from the communityDraft, proofread, and process professional-quality business/legal correspondenceTrack and maintain various program dataServe as liaison between program staff, contract attorneys, social service professionals, trial & appellate courts, and othersCoordinate meetings, manage program staff schedules, and arrange travelPlan events including conferences, trainings, and retreatsDiligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirementsQualificationsMinimum QualificationsCommitment to an anti-racist work culture and an understanding of how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals and families experiencing state intervention in their livesAble to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with interconnected agencies and callers from the community who may be under distressTime management including prioritizing tasks and tracking deadlines in both independent and collaborative work settingsAdvanced computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and ExcelAttention to detail as well as excellent writing, note-taking, and proofreading skillsConduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD's Mission, Vision and ValuesDesired QualificationsMultilingualExperience or demonstrated interest in working in a public-service oriented law or advocacy positionExperience assisting in developing and organizing training programsAble to utilize technology creatively to solve problemsExperience using Teams Telephony or directing calls using a multiline phone systemAdvanced Excel skills and experience with data visualizationSupplemental InformationCompensationAnnual Full-Time Salary Range of $55,596 to $74,748Compensation depends on qualifications. Washington State employees are offered a comprehensive benefit package that includes: paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, retirement and health, dental and life insurance coverage for self and family. There are also options for deferred compensation, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and eligibility for federal public loan forgiveness.Application ProcessTo be considered, interested candidates must apply online at (Click on the APPLY button above.) You must complete the entire online application. In addition to the online application:Letter of interest.Current résuméAt least three professional references.TeleworkingOur offices are in Olympia, Washington. We have teleworking options available by policy, and will be considered on an individual basis depending on the needs of the position and the availability of adequate equipment.If you have problems navigating the online application process and/or uploading the required documents or have questions about the position, email for assistance. If any of the additional requested items are missing your application may not be considered.BenefitsMore 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