RFQ Attorney Representation For Indigent Parents In Dependency and Termination Cases

State of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 179,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) invites qualified attorneys to apply for contract representation in dependency and termination of parental rights cases across Washington counties. OPD provides state funding, support, and access to resources, with compensation for full-time contractors around $210,492 annually, pro-rated for part-time.

Opportunities exist in Skagit County and others; emphasis on indigent parents and guardians.

Job description

STATE OF WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE

711 South Capitol Way, Suite 106,

Olympia, Washington 98504-0957

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ27003

ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENT PARENTS

IN DEPENDENCY AND TERMINATION CASES

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program (PRP) currently provides state funded attorney representation and case support services to indigent parents, custodians and legal guardians involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings in all Washington counties. There are currently contracts available for the 2027 fiscal year for the following counties:

Skagit County: Up to a .58 FTE contract available. Position is open until filled.

All Other Counties: Although OPD does not anticipate any immediate openings in counties not listed above, OPD is willing to accept applications for all counties in order to identify interested parties if openings become available in the future.

The approximate caseload for a full-time attorney is no more than 45 clients and no more than 60 open and active cases. The current annual compensation for a full-time contractor is $210,492. Part-time attorney position compensation is pro-rated based on a percentage of a full-time case load. Compensation includes all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business. Compensation is dependent on experience. PFML often is available to employees of our contractors (including private law firms). PFML program includes an opt-in for self-employed people such as our solo practice contractors. More information can be found at the following link https://paidleave.wa.gov/elective-coverage/

Support: OPD provides contracted attorneys access to funds for expert services pursuant to OPD’s expert services policy, as well as access to technical support from experienced OPD staff.

OPD provides social services workers who contract independently with OPD to assist attorneys on cases and provide support for parents. In addition, OPD provides access to a virtual academy for contractors, a contractor online toolbox that includes a brief bank, prior training materials, and access to forms. OPD contractors can sign up for the dependency list serve to gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience of dependency attorneys statewide. OPD also coordinates and hosts a number of CLEs annually to ensure contractors can meet contractual training requirements.

PRP Purpose Statement: Ensuring a fair and equitable child welfare system by leading, administering, and supporting the effective and efficient delivery of multidisciplinary right-to-counsel services for indigent parents facing state intervention in the parent-child relationship.

• Licensed member of good standing with the Washington State Bar.
• Ability to meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense.
• A demonstrated commitment to parents’ rights, indigent defense, and social justice issues.
• Experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals and families experiencing state intervention in their lives and a willingness to challenge the state when it exists.
• Experience and/or ability to provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental, and truly holistic advocacy throughout the case.
• Familiarity with RCW 13.34 and court rules pertaining to dependency and termination cases.
• Be responsive to, and communicate clearly with, clients who are often under great stress.
• Collaborate and develop working relationships with other parties and all dependency court partners.
• Experience in the court for which you are interested is preferred, but not required.

Application Procedure

OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.

The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.