PROGRAM ASSISTANT

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) seeks a Program Assistant to provide administrative support to the Appellate and Post-Conviction Unit. You will manage routine tasks, coordinate travel, and assist in training and resource delivery to contract attorneys.

Travel may be required within Washington; teleworking options exist by policy. The role requires strong writing skills, professional conduct, and a commitment to equity and client-centered service.

Qualifications

• Commitment to an anti-racist work culture and understanding of disparities.
• Ability to develop and sustain respectful relationships with agencies and community members.
• Strong time management and deadline tracking in independent and collaborative work.
• Advanced computer skills including Teams, Outlook, and Excel.
• Attention to detail and excellent writing, note-taking and proofreading.
• Professional conduct aligned with OPD's Mission, Vision and Values.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the unit Supervising Attorney and Resource Attorneys.
• Manage a schedule of routine tasks, special projects, and time-sensitive requests.
• Prioritize tasks, manage time, and adapt workflow to meet needs.
• Coordinate meetings, travel, and related logistics for the program staff.
• Draft and process professional-quality business/legal correspondence.
• Diligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirements.

Skills

Advanced computer skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Excellent writing

Professionalism

Multilingual

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

Excel

Job description

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 * Excellence

We 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 Unit

The 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 Inclusion

We 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.

The 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 Responsibilities

• Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations while maintaining client confidentially and proper discretion
• Respond to inquiries and explain complex processes to various audiences including contractors and callers from the community
• Draft, proofread, and process professional-quality business/legal correspondence
• Track and maintain various program data
• Serve as liaison between program staff, contract attorneys, social service professionals, trial & appellate courts, and others
• Coordinate meetings, manage program staff schedules, and arrange travel
• Plan events including conferences, trainings, and retreats
• Diligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Commitment 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 lives
• Able to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with interconnected agencies and callers from the community who may be under distress
• Time management including prioritizing tasks and tracking deadlines in both independent and collaborative work settings
• Advanced computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Excel
• Attention to detail as well as excellent writing, note-taking, and proofreading skills
• Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values

Desired Qualifications

• Multilingual
• Experience or demonstrated interest in working in a public-service oriented law or advocacy position
• Experience assisting in developing and organizing training programs
• Able to utilize technology creatively to solve problems
• Experience using Teams Telephony or directing calls using a multiline phone system
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with data visualization

Compensation

Annual Full-Time

Salary Range of $55,596 to $74,748

Compensation 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.

Teleworking

Our 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.