Program Assistant

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is seeking a full-time Program Assistant to join the motivated and diverse team of the Parents Representation Program (PRP). This role involves supporting managing attorneys, a training coordinator, social service managers, a parent voice advocacy manager, and an administrative team. The Program Assistant will contribute to promoting anti-racist practices, quality oversight, and continual improvement within the PRP. 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. The program aims to ensure 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.

Requirements

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.
Ability to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with interconnected agencies and callers from the community who may be under distress.
Time management skills, 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual experience.
Demonstrated interest in working in a public-service oriented law or advocacy position.
Experience assisting in developing and organizing training programs.
Ability 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.

Responsibilities

Manage a schedule of routine tasks, special projects, and time-sensitive requests as part of a team.
Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations while maintaining client confidentiality and proper discretion.
Respond to inquiries and explain complex processes to various audiences, including contractors and community members.
Draft, proofread, and process professional-quality business/legal correspondence.
Track and maintain various program data.
Serve as a 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.