What are the responsibilities and job description for the PROGRAM ASSISTANT position at State of Washington?
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 Washington State Office of Public Defense Parents Representation Program (PRP) is seeking a full-time Program Assistant to work as part of a motivated and diverse team of managing attorneys, a training coordinator, social service managers, a parent voice advocacy manager, and a small admin team. Join us in promoting anti-racist practices, quality oversight, and continual improvement of the Parents Representation Program.
For more information about our program please visit our webpage.
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.
Program Description
The Parents Representation Program oversees and supports a multidisciplinary defense team of contract attorneys and contract social service professionals who represent indigent parents involved in child dependency and parental rights termination proceedings in Washington State family and juvenile courts. Managing Attorneys and Social Service Managers are responsible for overseeing the contractors working in their assigned counties. The Parents Rep Program utilizes standards and protocols that historically have resulted in significant improvements in child permanency and family reunification.
Parents Representation Program 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.
This recruitment is open until the position is filled. First review of applications will begin on May 27, 2026.
Program Assistants work with a Program Analyst to support 8 FTE Attorney Managers (including two Co-Supervising Attorneys) and 5 FTE Social Services Managers (including a Supervising Social Services Manager).
Program Assistants work as a team to manage 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 $54,504 to $71,472
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.
Application Process
To be considered, interested candidates must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above.) You must complete the entire online application. In addition to the online application:
- Letter of interest.
- Current résumé
- At least three professional references.
Do not use AI to generate application materials.
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.
If you have problems navigating the online application process and/or uploading the required documents or have questions about the position, email tracy.sims@opd.wa.gov for assistance. If any of the additional requested items are missing your application may not be considered.
Salary : $54,504 - $71,472