VABAW Job Postings/Opportunities August 2021

ATTORNEY

State of Washington Office of Public Defense

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 Washington counties.  Douglas: One or more contracts, part-time caseloads of up to a 25% caseload (up to 20 open and active dependency &  termination cases), beginning as soon as October 1, 2021. 

All PRP 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 contract caseload for a full-time attorney (ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENT PARENTS  IN DEPENDENCY AND TERMINATION CASES ) is approximately 80 cases with an approximate annual compensation up to $125,000 to $156,780. 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 of good standing with the Washington State Bar 

• 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 the court for which you are interested preferred, but not required 

Application Procedure 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your  qualifications and a resume. Letters of interest should also describe applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation as well as existing caseload, specifying the number of your current dependency and  termination cases, if any.  

Email Materials to

Darren Acoba, Managing Attorney 

Darren.Acoba@opd.wa.gov

Please address any questions to Darren Acoba at the above email address.