Description:
The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program (PRP) currently provides state funded attorney representation and case support services to indigent parents, custodians and legal guardians involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings in all Washington counties.A Government Entity: One or more contracts, part-time caseload of up to 25% (up to 20 open and active dependency & termination cases) until filled. Start date is negotiable.
All Counties: Although OPD does not anticipate any immediate openings, OPD is willing to accept applications for all counties in order to identify interested parties if openings become available in the future.
The approximate caseload and annual compensation for a full-time attorney is 80 cases and between $169,000 to $182,134. Part-time attorney position compensation is pro-rated based on a percentage of a full-time case load. Compensation includes all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business. Compensation is dependent on experience. If interested, follow the application procedures below.
PRP 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.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications are required:
- Licensed member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
- Able to meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense.
- A demonstrated commitment to parents' rights, indigent defense, or social justice issues.
- Experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals and families experiencing state intervention in their lives and a willingness to challenge the state when it exists.
- Provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental, and truly holistic advocacy throughout the case.
- Be familiar with RCW 13.34 and court rules pertaining to dependency and termination cases.
- Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress.
- Develop collaborative working relationships with other parties and all child welfare stakeholders.
- Experience in all the court jurisdictions for which you are interested is preferred, but not required.
