PROGRAM ANALYST

Full Job Description

We Want You to Join Our Passionate Public Defense Team!

The Washington State Office of Public Defense is seeking a full-time Program Analyst for its Forensic Civil Commitment Program.

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 About the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD)The Washington State Office of Public Defense 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.

We administer a variety of programs, including systemic improvement programs and programs providing direct representation. To learn about OPD’s programs click here.

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. 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 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.

The Forensic Civil Commitment Program manages three areas of representation.

RCW 71.09 Civil Commitment

OPD contracts with attorneys and social workers to represent individuals who have a right to legal counsel in civil commitment proceedings under Chapter 71.09 RCW and to create viable paths to release through discharge planning.

RCW 10.77 Post Commitment Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)

OPD contracts with attorneys and social workers to represent system-involved individuals with a right to counsel after being committed pursuant to a finding of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity under Chapter 10.77 RCW.

Representation continues until they are unconditionally released from court jurisdiction.

Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA)

OPD contracts with attorneys and a social worker to represent individuals at two state-run facilities in King County who face long-term civil commitment (up to 90 to 180 days) under Chapter 71.05 RCW.

Counties typically handle these cases, and the OPD only gets involved when a county asks the Health Care Authority to contract with us for this service (see Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5745).

Requirements

As Program Analyst you will collaborate with members of the Forensic Civil Commitment Program (FCC), the OPD Financial Services team and outside contractors to support representation of individuals committed or facing committment under the FCC initiatives. This position is a unique opportunity for an experienced para-professional to work behind-the-scenes to improve the statewide response to delivering effective and highly skilled representation to individuals committed to Eastern or Western State Hospital and the Special Commitment Center, as well as those residing in the community on less restrictive conditions.

Periodic travel is required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel. Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently.

Duties

• Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
• Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD, statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
• Assist Managing Attorneys of multiple indigent representaton programs, to include:
  • Assist Managing Attorneys and the Fiscal Team with preparation, execution and recording of contracts.
  • Collect and analyze FCC program data and prepare and edit internal and external program reports.
  • Collaborate with the Financial Services team on invoicing procedures and ensure said procedures are followed by staff and contractors.
  • Serve as liaison between the Managing Attorney and other OPD staff members, relaying objectives as necessary.
  • Assist with drafting and updating policies.
  • Act as lead to the FCC Program Assistant.
• Provide contract management assistance, to include:
  • Assist Managing Attorneys with contractor performance reviews.
  • Assist Managing Attorneys and the Fiscal Team with preparation, execution and recording of contracts.
  • Document client complaints.
  • Assist in onboarding new contractors.
  • Provide general technical assistance as needed.
• Plan conferences and other events.
• Update forms, data surveys and other program tools.
• Represent the FCC team on interdepartmental workgroups.
• Other general administrative tasks as necessary.
• Diligently follow state employee ethics requirements.
• Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years experience providing program support in a dynamic office environment with responsibility performing a full range of administrative level office support tasks; OR one year experience as a Program Assistant for OPD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
• High literacy of computer programs including the use of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience managing data both visually and contextually.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Basic understanding of records management and retention periods.
• Be comfortable advocating for and communicating with individuals with mental illness and/or violent criminal histories.
• Willingness to support an organization focused on criminal system reform and systemic change, especially for historically marginalized groups.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience coordinating and organizing event logistics and assisting with the preparation of training materials.
• Prior experience working with systems-impacted individuals, including those incarcerated or institutionalized.
• Basic understanding of Washington State court rules of civil and criminal procedure.
• Experience managing a data set and utilizing it to prioritize workflow.
• Experience accessing criminal court case records in various Washington State courts.
• Demonstrate understanding of and experience advocating against the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically disproportionately overrepresented in the child welfare and related law and justice systems.

Additional Information

Compensation
$71,472 - $87,048 annually.
Compensation depending 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 and pre-tax flexible spending accounts.

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:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile.
• Attach a current résumé.
• Provide three professional references with contact information. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application or include on the résumé.

If you have problems navigating the online application process of uploading the required documents, email tracy.sims@opd.wa.gov for assistance.

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, 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.

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.