Legal Office Assistant w/in-training | General Services Division | Olympia

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington's Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent, full-time Legal Office Assistant in the General Services Division, located in Olympia. The role supports multiple divisions with clerical tasks, reception, mail handling, and customer service.

In-training opportunities exist from Office Assistant 3 level to Legal Office Assistant. Compensation includes standard benefits and a competitive salary range based on experience.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and two years of clerical experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides clerical assistance and support to eight divisions, including handling incoming/outgoing mail, copying, scanning and printing materials, and ensuring clear written and verbal communication with internal and external customers.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent; two years clerical experience

Job description

Position and Salary

The Attorney General’s Office 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.

Stipends

• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

Excellent Benefits

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!

About The General Services Division

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!

Duties And Essential Functions Of a Legal Office Assistant

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.

Required Qualifications

To qualify at the Office Assistant 3 level:

High school graduation or equivalent and two years of clerical experience.

To Qualify At The Legal Office Assistant Level

• 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.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General

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.

Commitment to Diversity

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests

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 [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail]. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or [e-mail].

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 non-overtime 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-ratio 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 accrual