Temporary Administrative Assistant

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is 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. OPD is recruiting for a temporary Administrative Assistant to provide reception services and general support to the administrative team. This position is expected to run until June 30, 2027 with a possibility of becoming permanent before the end of that period. This recruitment could close at any time so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Requirements

Experience using basic office equipment and software.
Ability to learn and use new computer applications as necessary.
Customer service and people skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in person, by email, and by telephone.
Ability to prioritize tasks, handle short deadlines, and work independently.
Ability to be punctual and dependable.
Ability to follow basic instructions and complete tasks with minimal oversight.
Well-developed skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and navigating databases.
Well-developed writing and proofreading skills.
Attention to detail.
Have the ability to prioritize tasks, and to function independently as well as part of a team in a collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a fast-paced office setting.
Experience working in the Washington state criminal legal system.

Responsibilities

Answer incoming telephone calls; screen and direct calls as appropriate.
Provide information and assistance when possible.
Prepare professional-quality business/legal correspondence on a deadline.
Respond to inquiries from contract attorneys, courts, incarcerated individuals, the public and other members of the public defense community.
Assist with reconciliation of purchase and travel receipts.
May assist in creating, maintaining and uploading web content materials according to agency policy.
Perform administrative duties that require independent judgment, accountability, confidentiality, organizational and prioritization skills, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
Coordinate with other agency staff members on administrative practices and procedures.
Assist with other administrative tasks as assigned.
Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD, with statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
Diligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirements.
Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values.