Legal Office Assistant w/in-training | General Services Division | Olympia
State of Washington
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Job summary
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General (AGO) is seeking a permanent, full-time Legal Office Assistant in the General Services Division, based in Olympia. This role offers potential in-training from Office Assistant 3 with a path to Legal Office Assistant, handling reception and mail for multiple divisions and delivering professional service to internal and external stakeholders.
Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and clerical experience, with options including legal
Qualifications
- High school graduation or equivalent and two years of clerical experience.
- Option 1: High School diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience including a minimum of six months of experience in a legal office environment.
- Option 2: One year of legal office experience.
- Option 3: A combination of two years of college education and/or relevant experience.
- Option 4: A two‑year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies or related field of study.
Responsibilities
- Provide reception and mail support for 8 divisions.
- Produce accurate copies, scans and printed material; follow written directions; provide clear written and verbal communication and excellent customer service.
- Based at the headquarters in Olympia and may need de‑escalation skills when assisting constituents in person or via phone.
- This recruitment may fill multiple positions in the same classification.
- In‑Training defined: candidates learn on the job to move into Legal Office Assistant.
Skills
Education
Job description
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is recruiting for a permanent full time Legal Office Assistant in the General Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Note: There is the possibility of an in‑training from the Office Assistant 3 level.
Legal Office Assistant Salary Range (40): $43,836 - $58,392 annually
Office Assistant 3 Salary Range (38): $41,820 - $55,596 annually
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The Following Stipends May Apply Based On Position Requirements:
- Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer:
- A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, webinar, and other cost‑free support resources;
- Numerous employee‑driven affinity groups to foster community and connection, including Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans and more. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference!
Are you interested in the legal field but do not have previous experience? Do you have office experience but want to expand your potential and open up a new career path? If you just said yes, look no further. This position could be the start of your new career! The General Services Division is looking for a professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment to join our team, with the option of starting as an in‑training from an Office Assistant 3 to a Legal Office Assistant. This position provides reception and mail support at our Olympia location and will not be eligible for scheduled, recurring telework. If you are skilled in and enjoy working efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals amongst a small‑dedicated team, this may be the position you have been searching for!
This position provides a variety of clerical assistance and support to 8 divisions in the building, including all incoming and outgoing building mail. The incumbent for this position will need to be able to produce accurate copies, scans and printed material, follow written direction, provide clear written and verbal communication and offer excellent customer service to internal and external customers. This position is based at our headquarters location and may occasionally need to utilize de‑escalation skills when providing assistance to constituents contacting our office in person or over the phone.
This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.
In‑Training Defined: An in‑training is on‑the‑job instruction designed for candidates with less experience than the required goal classification to learn and grow into a higher‑level role. In this job posting, we are open to considering those eligible at the Office Assistant 3 level who are interested in learning on‑the‑job with the goal of moving into the Legal Office Assistant role. You’ll gain the competencies and skills needed to successfully perform your duties while being supported by your supervisor, manager, and coworkers. Upon successful completion of your training and demonstrating knowledge of the position requirements, you will be promoted into the Legal Office Assistant level.
High school graduation or equivalent and two years of clerical experience.
Option 1: High School diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience including a minimum of six months of experience in a legal office environment.
Option 2: One year of legal office experience.
Option 3: A combination of two years of college education and/or relevant experience.
Option 4: A two‑year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies or related field of study.
- A background check consisting of employment history, professional references and educational verification (e.g., degree, license, or official transcript) may be conducted. Prior to any offer, the applicant selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint‑based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.
- A valid non‑probationary Washington State Driver's License is required for this position in order to legally operate state vehicles.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) Touches The Lives Of Every Resident In This State. We Serve More Than 230 State Agencies, Boards, Commissions, Colleges And Universities, As Well As The Legislature And The Governor. The Office Is Comprised Of Nearly 700 Attorneys And 800 Professional Staff, All Working Together To Deliver The Highest Quality Professional Legal Services To Washington State Officials, Agencies, And Entities. This Includes
- Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
- Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
- Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
- And much more!
Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.
One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019. Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.
The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll‑free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
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.
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- Already posses valid WA State driver's license
- Required Question
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