Legal Assistant 1 | Social & Health Services Division | Seattle

Description The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full‑time Legal Assistant 1 in the Social & Health Services Division, based in Seattle, Washington. This role is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and involves providing general clerical and basic technical legal support for high‑volume litigation involving child and adult protection, guardianship, foster care, and appeal cases. Position and Salary Legal Assistant 1 (Range 42) salary range: $45,024 – $60,132 annually (Effective 7/1/2025) or $45,924 – $61,332 annually (Effective 7/1/2026). The base pay offered will be adjusted to internal equity and based on the preferred candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision coverage for employees and dependents; Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Additional benefits include Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. Employees may also enjoy flexible schedules, hybrid telework options, a Wellness Program, Infants in the Workplace Program, Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups. About the Seattle Social & Health Services Division The Division provides legal support to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Key responsibilities include child abuse and neglect cases, guardian protection, foster care, and appeals involving these matters. The work is fast‑paced and high‑volume, requiring excellent communication, time‑management, and the ability to handle competing priorities. Duties and Essential Functions of a Legal Assistant 1 Extract and verify case data for accurate and timely processing of legal documents and entry of key dates and other data in the agency’s case‑management database. Mail and e‑mail processing. Process receipt of dependency petitions and screen referrals for termination of parental rights. Organize and send large certified mailings (ICWA) to numerous parties. Draft expert and/or lay witness contracts. Receive and distribute discovery via Managed File Transfer. Maintain multi‑function devices. Determine if the division has responsive documents for public record requests and/or tort lawsuits. Draft notices and send to publishers for publication; track issuance and completion of publication and receipt of Affidavit of Publication. Process division invoices. Scan paper documents to electronic form for long‑term record retention. Answer and route phone calls. Maintain knowledge of Seattle Office security procedures and act as Floor Warden. Other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Option 1: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience, including a minimum of one year in a legal environment. Option 2: Two years of legal office experience. Option 3: A combination of three years of college education and/or relevant experience. Option 4: Two‑year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies, or related field. Skill & Abilities Integrity Performance leadership Organizational and political awareness Results orientation and initiative Accountability Judgment Decisiveness Recognition and support of diversity and inclusion The Most Successful Candidate Will Have Familiarity with juvenile abuse/neglect litigation, family law, or elder abuse/neglect cases is desirable. The candidate must be able to work effectively on a team or independently, manage a heavy and diverse workload, possess knowledge of court rules and associated databases, and communicate effectively. The position may involve exposure to distressing material regarding sexual, physical, and psychological abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults. About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) works across more than 230 agencies and delivers high‑quality legal services to state officials, agencies, and entities. Missions include economic justice, consumer protection, social justice, civil rights, and criminal justice. Commitment to Diversity AO recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can reach their full potential. Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests The AGO is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or retaliation. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation or an alternative format may contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Those with a hearing impairment may contact the Washington Relay Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or #J-18808-Ljbffr