DSHS WSH Occupational Therapy Assistant
State of Washington
FreshPosted Jan 14
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Posted: December 12, 2025 (34 days ago)
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PROGRAM ASSISTANT
State of Washington
Office of Public Defense
Job Description
Summary
This job involves providing administrative support to a team that assigns and tracks legal cases for public defense attorneys helping low-income clients appeal convictions or seek post-conviction relief.
You'll handle tasks like entering data, managing files, responding to inquiries, and generating reports to keep operations running smoothly.
It's a good fit for someone organized and detail-oriented with experience in busy office settings who cares about justice and supporting legal aid.
Key Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Three years of experience providing program support in a dynamic office environment
- Ability to enter and manage case assignment data accurately
- Skills in tracking case data, generating reports, and ensuring timely information delivery
- Proficiency in administrative tasks such as filing, document management, correspondence preparation, and responding to emails/phone calls
- Strong collaboration skills to support team members and channel legal inquiries appropriately
- Commitment to values like justice, service, equity, and excellence in a public defense context
Full Job 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 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.
The Appellate and Post-Conviction Unit
The Washington State Office of Public Defense is charged with recruiting and supporting contract attorneys who represent clients in appellate and post-conviction proceedings.
The Appellate and Post-Conviction Unit is also responsible for receiving, assigning, and monitoring the cases assigned to attorneys. Program support is critical to fulfilling this responsibility.
The Position
The Program Assistant will support the mission of the Appellate and Post-Conviction Unit by performing administrative tasks necessary to ensure cases are assigned to contract attorneys in a timely manner, monitor case flow, and manage information to ensure the Unit’s effective and efficient operation.
This position is full-time and not eligible for telework.
This recruitment is open until the position is filled.
Requirements
- Enter and manage case assignment data
- Track case assignment data to ensure accuracy
- Generate case assignment reports
- Timely respond to requests for program-related information, including answering phone calls and replying to emails
- Prepare and ensure the delivery of correspondence
- Channel requests concerning legal matters to a resource attorney, unit supervisor, or other appropriate OPD manager
- Perform administrative tasks including filing, document management, copying and printing
- Collaborate with and support teammates to further the Unit’s mission
- Perform other related administrative functions
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Three years of demonstrable experience providing program support in a dynamic office environment
- Ability to effectively communicate in the English language
- Computer proficiency including the use of Word and Outlook
- Significant experience in, and intermediate-level proficiency with Excel
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
- Willingness to support an organization focused on criminal justice reform and systemic change especially for historically marginalized groups
Desired Qualifications
- Legal environment work experience
- Experience with using law office case management systems
- Experience navigating judicial information systems such as Odyssey, JABS, or ACORDS
- Associate’s degree or higher
- Fluency in a second language
- Demonstrated commitment to public service
- Personal or professional experience working with individuals involved in the criminal legal system
Additional Information
Compensation
Annual Full-Time Salary Range of $54,504 to $73,284
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 www.careers.wa.gov (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.
Questions about this position may be directed to Sean Devlin, Supervising Attorney, sean.devlin@opd.wa.gov or 360-586-3164 x.105.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We vigorously pursue diversity in the work force.
Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years 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.
If you have problems navigating the online application process and/or uploading the required documents, email tracy.sims@opd.wa.gov for assistance. If any of the additional requested items are missing your application may not be considered.
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