TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Join Our Passionate Public Defense Team!

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. Our mission is to uphold 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. Our vision is for public defense clients, everywhere in the state, to receive truly equitable and client-centered representation from fully supported professionals. Our values are justice, service, equity, and 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.

Position Description

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.

Duties

General responsibilities include:

• Answering incoming telephone calls; screening and directing calls as appropriate. Providing information and assistance when possible.
• Preparing professional-quality business/legal correspondence on a deadline.
• Responding to inquiries from contract attorneys, courts, incarcerated individuals, the public, and other members of the public defense community.
• Assisting with reconciliation of purchase and travel receipts.
• May assist in creating, maintaining, and uploading web content materials according to agency policy. Training will be provided.
• Performing administrative duties that require independent judgment, accountability, confidentiality, organizational and prioritization skills, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Coordinating with other agency staff members on administrative practices and procedures.
• Assisting with other administrative tasks as assigned.
• Exercising mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
• Participating in and fostering a collaborative working environment at OPD, with statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
• Diligently following attorney and state employee ethics requirements.
• Conducting all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD's mission, vision, and values.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• 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.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, and to function independently as well as part of a team in a collaborative environment.

Desired qualifications include:

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

Supplemental Information

Compensation is $55,596 to $64,512 annually, 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. This position is overtime eligible.

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:

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

If you have problems navigating the online application process or uploading the required documents, email View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance.

We vigorously pursue diversity in the workforce. 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.

It is expected the successful candidate will work on site at the Office of Public Defense offices at 711 Capitol Way S., Olympia, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a half hour lunch, except for state paid holidays.