RFQ Attorney Representation For Indigent Parents In Dependency and Termination Cases
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Manson, WA 98831
Description:
Salary: See Position Description
Location : Mason County - Other, WA
Job Type: Various Job Types
Job Number: 2025-OPD RFQ25013
Department: Office of Public Defense
Opening Date: 08/29/2024
Description
STATE OF WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE
711 South Capitol Way, Suite 106,
Olympia, Washington 98504-0957
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
RFQ25013
ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENT PARENTS
IN DEPENDENCY AND TERMINATION CASES
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.
Mason County: One part-time caseload of up to 30% (24 open and active dependency & termination cases). Position is open 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 for a full-time attorney is 80 cases. The current annual compensation for a full-time contractor is between $186,000 to $200,347. 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. PFML often is available to employees of our contractors (including private law firms). PFML program includes an opt-in for self-employed people such as our solo practice contractors. More information can be found at the following link
If interested, follow the application procedures below.
Support: OPD provides contracted attorneys access to funds for expert services pursuant to OPD's expert services policy, as well as access to technical support from experienced OPD staff. OPD provides social services workers who contract independently with OPD to assist attorneys on cases and provide support for parents. In addition, OPD provides access to a virtual academy for contractors, a contractor online toolbox that includes a brief bank, prior training materials, and access to forms. OPD contractors can sign up for the dependency list serve to gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience of dependency attorneys statewide. OPD also coordinates and hosts a number of CLEs annually to ensure contractors can meet contractual training requirements.
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
Qualifications
The following qualifications are required:
Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted until the positions are 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.
Supplemental Information
Email Materials to:
Please address any questions to the above email address.
OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
Location : Mason County - Other, WA
Job Type: Various Job Types
Job Number: 2025-OPD RFQ25013
Department: Office of Public Defense
Opening Date: 08/29/2024
Description
STATE OF WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE
711 South Capitol Way, Suite 106,
Olympia, Washington 98504-0957
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
RFQ25013
ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENT PARENTS
IN DEPENDENCY AND TERMINATION CASES
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.
Mason County: One part-time caseload of up to 30% (24 open and active dependency & termination cases). Position is open 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 for a full-time attorney is 80 cases. The current annual compensation for a full-time contractor is between $186,000 to $200,347. 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. PFML often is available to employees of our contractors (including private law firms). PFML program includes an opt-in for self-employed people such as our solo practice contractors. More information can be found at the following link
If interested, follow the application procedures below.
Support: OPD provides contracted attorneys access to funds for expert services pursuant to OPD's expert services policy, as well as access to technical support from experienced OPD staff. OPD provides social services workers who contract independently with OPD to assist attorneys on cases and provide support for parents. In addition, OPD provides access to a virtual academy for contractors, a contractor online toolbox that includes a brief bank, prior training materials, and access to forms. OPD contractors can sign up for the dependency list serve to gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience of dependency attorneys statewide. OPD also coordinates and hosts a number of CLEs annually to ensure contractors can meet contractual training requirements.
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
Qualifications
The following qualifications are required:
- Licensed member of good standing with the Washington State Bar.
- Ability to meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense.
- A demonstrated commitment to parents' rights, indigent defense, and 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.
- Experience and/or ability to provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental, and truly holistic advocacy throughout the case.
- Familiarity 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.
- Collaborate and develop working relationships with other parties and all dependency court partners.
- Experience in the court for which you are interested is preferred, but not required.
Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted until the positions are 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.
Supplemental Information
Email Materials to:
Please address any questions to the above email address.
OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022