PROGRAM ASSISTANT, Olympia

Salary:

$54,504.00 - $71,472.00 Annually Location :

Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type:

Full Time - Permanent Job Number:

0020 Department:

Office of Public Defense Opening Date:

05/13/2026

Description We Want You to Join Our Passionate Public Defense Team!

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 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 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. Duties 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 correspondenceTrack 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 Qualifications 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 distressTime 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 ValuesDesired 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 systemAdvanced Excel skills and experience with data visualization Supplemental Information 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 (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



for assistance. If any of the additional requested items are missing your application may not be considered. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:

If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred …