Hiring for: Program Assistant
Salary: $38,000 – $48,000 annually
Location: 711 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98504
Job Type: Full-time, Civil Service Exempt
Deadline: Hiring on rolling basis
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is a judicial branch agency whose mission is to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state of Washington. OPD employs 15 people in downtown
Olympia and administers contracts with more than 200 attorneys and social service specialists statewide.
The Program Assistant supports four managing attorneys and a social service manager with the development, implementation, and continual improvement of OPD’s acclaimed Parents Representation Program, which provides legal representation for indigent parents involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights cases. The position also performs administrative tasks as needed to support other OPD programs.
The successful applicant manages priorities across multiple assignments, meets deadlines, writes well and proofreads meticulously, and engages comfortably with people and technology.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful applicant will have:
A demonstrated ability to handle interactions appropriately and discreetly.
Experience providing exceptional administrative support skills.
Outstanding customer service and people skills.
A track record as a team player.
A demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to prioritize work, handle short deadlines, and work independently.
Ability to grasp the big picture as well as follow through on the details.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Access.
Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
Basic math skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience or demonstrated interest in working in a public-service oriented law office. Bachelor’s degree.
ROUTINE DUTIES
Research various information as requested by managing attorneys.
Proofread and assemble reports.
Process and maintain attorney contracts and contract files (electronic and hard copy).
Respond to inquiries from attorneys, trial and appellate courts, and others.
Support contract attorneys and others in the use of data reporting systems.
Monitor, analyze, and summarize data.
Coordinate logistics for training programs and statewide conferences.
Coordinate managing attorneys’ schedule as needed, including travel plans.
Occasionally coordinate travel for contractors and witnesses.
Assist in tracking and supporting agency legislative efforts.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Exercise mature judgment and patience with contractors, clients, and vendors.
Take a continual quality improvement approach to all agency activities.
Treat all internal and external stakeholders with respect.
Participate in and foster a collaborative team working environment at OPD.
Exercise proper English grammar, punctuation, and correspondence formatting.
Diligently follow the ethical requirements of state government.
Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism working in the best interests of the state according to OPD’s mandate “to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel.”
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following:
A one-page letter of interest describing specific qualifications for the position.
A current résumé listing employers, dates of employment, and education.
A list of at least three professional references.
Submit application materials to
Sophia Byrd McSherry, Deputy Director, at sophia.byrdmcsherry@opd.wa.gov
Persons selected for interview may be asked to participate in an office skills assessment.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the workforce. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years of age, persons of disability, and veterans of the armed forces are encouraged to apply.
Internet Email: opd@opd.wa.gov
(360) 586-3164
FAX (360) 586-8165
Salary: $38,000 – $48,000 annually
Location: 711 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98504
Job Type: Full-time, Civil Service Exempt
Deadline: Hiring on rolling basis
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is a judicial branch agency whose mission is to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state of Washington. OPD employs 15 people in downtown
Olympia and administers contracts with more than 200 attorneys and social service specialists statewide.
The Program Assistant supports four managing attorneys and a social service manager with the development, implementation, and continual improvement of OPD’s acclaimed Parents Representation Program, which provides legal representation for indigent parents involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights cases. The position also performs administrative tasks as needed to support other OPD programs.
The successful applicant manages priorities across multiple assignments, meets deadlines, writes well and proofreads meticulously, and engages comfortably with people and technology.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful applicant will have:
A demonstrated ability to handle interactions appropriately and discreetly.
Experience providing exceptional administrative support skills.
Outstanding customer service and people skills.
A track record as a team player.
A demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to prioritize work, handle short deadlines, and work independently.
Ability to grasp the big picture as well as follow through on the details.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Access.
Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
Basic math skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience or demonstrated interest in working in a public-service oriented law office. Bachelor’s degree.
ROUTINE DUTIES
Research various information as requested by managing attorneys.
Proofread and assemble reports.
Process and maintain attorney contracts and contract files (electronic and hard copy).
Respond to inquiries from attorneys, trial and appellate courts, and others.
Support contract attorneys and others in the use of data reporting systems.
Monitor, analyze, and summarize data.
Coordinate logistics for training programs and statewide conferences.
Coordinate managing attorneys’ schedule as needed, including travel plans.
Occasionally coordinate travel for contractors and witnesses.
Assist in tracking and supporting agency legislative efforts.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Exercise mature judgment and patience with contractors, clients, and vendors.
Take a continual quality improvement approach to all agency activities.
Treat all internal and external stakeholders with respect.
Participate in and foster a collaborative team working environment at OPD.
Exercise proper English grammar, punctuation, and correspondence formatting.
Diligently follow the ethical requirements of state government.
Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism working in the best interests of the state according to OPD’s mandate “to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel.”
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following:
A one-page letter of interest describing specific qualifications for the position.
A current résumé listing employers, dates of employment, and education.
A list of at least three professional references.
Submit application materials to
Sophia Byrd McSherry, Deputy Director, at sophia.byrdmcsherry@opd.wa.gov
Persons selected for interview may be asked to participate in an office skills assessment.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the workforce. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years of age, persons of disability, and veterans of the armed forces are encouraged to apply.
Internet Email: opd@opd.wa.gov
(360) 586-3164
FAX (360) 586-8165
