Civil Legal Aid Program Counsel / Administrator

Position: Civil Legal Aid Program Counsel/Administrator
Agency: Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid
Salary: $115,000 to $120,000 DOE
Job Type: Regular full-time; FLSA Exempt
Location: Washington State
Travel: Travel is required
Open: March 14,2024
Close: Open until filled; first review of applications received will occur on or before April 15, 2024. OCLA reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
Start Date: Flexible; ideally June 2024, or as soon thereafter as possible

Overview

The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) seeks a highly motivated individual to support the effective management and oversight of a range of programs supporting the delivery of civil legal aid services to low-income people in Washington State. This position will help support the Civil Legal Aid to Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Survivors programs.

This position primarily operates remotely with periodic travel required within Washington State for meetings, site visits, and events. OCLA fosters a flexible workplace environment to support work-life balance and employee success.

About OCLA

OCLA is the independent judicial branch agency that manages and oversees state appropriations
for civil legal aid in Washington State. OCLA funds a wide range of civil legal aid programs and projects focused on ensuring equity of access to the civil justice system for low-income people in Washington State. These include (a) a general statewide civil legal aid program, (b) a program providing appointed counsel for children and youth in the child welfare system, (c) a program to provide appointed counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings, (d) a program to provide pre-filing legal aid to tenants threatened with eviction; (e) a program providing civil legal assistance to victims of crime, (f) programs providing civil legal help to persons adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and (g) a number of smaller niche programs including programs to provide civil legal assistance to individuals reentering civil society following incarceration and those eligible for civil relief as a result of the Washington Supreme Courts decision in State v. Blake.

Consistent with The Washington State Supreme Courts June 4, 2020 Statement to the Legal Community, OCLA acknowledges that it and its contracted civil legal aid providers operate in a law and justice system historically grounded in racism and that time and again has administered justice differentially depending on the racial identities of those involved. OCLA was an initial subscriber to the Washington Race Equity and Justice Acknowledgments and Commitments. As outlined in its Race Equity and Justice Statement of Purpose, OCLA is committed to being an active partner in carrying out the Washington State judicial branchs commitment to ensuring equity and justice for people and communities throughout our state. Areas of Programmatic Responsibility

1. General Civil Legal Aid Programs: These encompass the current general civil legal aid contract and OCLA-approved subcontractors, principally the primary statewide civil legal aid contract with the federally funded Northwest Justice Project required by RCW 2.53.030 and contracts providing civil legal information and assistance to kinship caregivers.
2. Civil Legal Aid to Crime Victims Program: Initiated in 2016, this program aims to enhance the safety, security, and well-being of victims of crime. It operates in collaboration with other community-based professional crime victim service providers. Initially funded through a dedicated annual allocation of federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, the program is now funded with state general funds subgranted to OCLA by the Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA).
3. Civil Legal Aid for Domestic Violence Survivors Program: Established in 2022, this program is designed to provide civil legal aid services to survivors of domestic violence. Its scope includes legal services for protection order proceedings, family law cases, immigration assistance, and other civil legal issues arising from or related to experiences of domestic violence. Pursuant to authorizing budget directives, OCLA developed the Legal Aid for Domestic Violence Survivor Program which contracts with organizational providers of services to survivors of domestic violence as defined in RCW 7.105.010(9).

Primary Activities

The Program Counsel will work under the supervision of the Program Manager to support the programs described above. Principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensure Comprehensive Oversight and Compliance: Monitor contract compliance and performance of contractors, ensuring adherence to legal, fiscal, and administrative standards.
2. Data Management and Reporting: Track, aggregate, analyze, and report on data documenting the services provided, including qualitative and quantitative outcomes.
3. Technical Assistance and Coordination: Provide technical assistance, support, and coordination with programs and other stakeholders.
4. Contract Drafting: Draft contracts and scopes of work relating to the provision of legal aid services.
5. Equity Accountability: Ensure accountability to OCLAs and contractors race equity commitments in the administration and execution of these programs.
6. Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, OCLA Director, or their designee.

Skills and Background

1. Juris Doctor (JD) or Related Experience: Possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or related professional, administrative, and/or lived experience demonstrating the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position. (Required)
2. Civil Legal Aid Experience: Direct or administrative experience in civil legal aid, public defense, or other provision of civil legal aid to low-income people. (Required)
3. Victim Advocacy and Domestic Violence Awareness: Familiarity with the civil and criminal justice systems, particularly related to legal rights of crime victims and gender-based violence survivors. (Required)
4. Equity Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment on marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2S or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others historically marginalized. (Required)
5. Legal Systems Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of courts, court systems, administrative, and related law and justice systems that affect low-income people. (Required)
6. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (Required)
7. Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. (Required)

The position reports to the VOCA and DV Programs Manager

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Washington State. OCLA operates predominately as a virtual agency.
Salary: $115,000 - $120,000 DOE
Benefits: Paid medical/dental, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance programs
Leave: Paid vacation and sick leave benefits
Retirement: Employer contributions to state retirement benefits

Click here for more benefits information.

Application Procedure

Applications must be emailed to [email protected] and should include the subject heading Statement of Interest Civil Legal Aid Program Counsel

Submissions must include:

• A cover letter and resume outlining the applicants credentials and professional/lived experience that is responsive to the skills and background outlined in this Notice
• A list of at least three (3) professional references
• A completed application for state employment (MS Word file)

CLOSING DATE: OCLA reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time or reopen after the closing date if needed.

Additional Information

The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is committed to equity and inclusion in hiring and employment practices and full compliance with federal and state equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination laws. OCLA strongly encourages members of diverse and historically disfavored and underrepresented demographic communities to apply. OCLA will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship, or immigration status; families with children; gender (including gender identity and gender expression); marital status; sexual orientation; age; veteran or military status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability (actual or perceived); or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Individuals needing reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact [email protected].

OCLA believes in providing substantial professional flexibility consistent with necessary accountability considerations. We also support Washington State greenhouse gas reduction efforts. We therefore take a generous approach to telecommunication and remote work activity.