Managing Attorney - Ch. 71.09 RCW

About the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD)We are an independent judicial branch agency mandated to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state. Mission: Upholding the rights of all people who are facing the loss of liberty or family by providing statewide leadership, administration, and support to the multidisciplinary public defense profession.Vision: Public defense clients, everywhere in the state, receive truly equitable and client-centered representation from fully supported professionals.Values: Justice  *  Service  *  Equity  *  Excellence   OPD administers a variety of programs, including systemic improvement programs and programs providing direct representation. To learn about our programs click here. We are dedicated to excellence in public law and indigent defense, and we seek talented candidates who share this commitment to client-centered service.

We value employees who bring diverse backgrounds in education, employment, community activities, and life experiences to enhance our office.The 71.09 (SVP) Civil Commitment Representation Program Pursuant to RCW 2.70.025, State OPD is responsible for the administration of all state-funded services related to the representation of indigent persons for sexually violent predator (SVP) civil commitment cases under chapter 71.09 RCW. These individuals have a statutory right to counsel as soon as the court petition for civil commitment. OPD must contract with attorneys across the State to provide representation, until legal termination of commitment and final unconditional release.

 The Role of the 71.09 RCW (SVP) Managing AttorneyAs program Managing Attorney, you will collaborate with your fellow Forensic Civil Commitment Representation Team members: 10.77 (NGRI) Managing Attorney, fiscal assistant, program analyst, program assistant and contractors (attorney and social work), to develop and administer the statewide public defense representation of those facing indefinite civil commitment pursuant to Ch.71.09 RCW at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island. This position is a unique opportunity for an experienced public defense attorney to step out of the courtroom work behind-the-scenes to improve the statewide response to delivering effective and highly skilled representation to individuals committed under 71.09. Specific responsibilities will include: * Observing and evaluating contract attorneys in the courtroom and depositions.* Providing technical assistance to contract attorneys and social workers.* Developing caseload and practice standards for 71.09 representation.* Investigating client complaints.* Building relationships with key interested parties, including DSHS-Behavioral Health Administration, Special Commitment Center, Department of Corrections, Disability Rights Washington, Superior Court Judges, law enforcement, county prosecutors, community sex offender treatment providers, community mental health treatment providers, housing providers, etc. * Recruiting expert service and professional service providers for defense to use in case preparation and court proceedings.* Compiling and analyzing program data for caseload analysis, reports, and fiscal or policy requests to the legislature. * Drafting annual reports to the legislature.* Testifying before the Washington State Legislature.* Facilitating or conducting trainings for contract attorneys and social workers.Periodic travel is required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel.

Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently.Questions about this position are welcome, and should be directed to the Program Supervisor, Shoshana.Kehoe-Ehlers@opd.wa.gov or 360-586-3164 ext. 110.Minimum Qualifications* A member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association. * Experience as a trial attorney representing indigent adults charged with Class A offenses in the criminal justice systems including the use of forensic expert witnesses and risk actuarial tools.* Experience using the Washington Civil and Criminal Rules of Procedure.* Ability to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with a diverse community of state, county, municipal government officials, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, professional associations, community representatives, and others.* Ability to prioritize tasks, and to function independently as well as part of a team in a collaborative environment.* Proficient with computer use and have the ability to become proficient in the use of specialized case management tools. * Attention to detail and excellent writing and proofreading skills. Desired Qualifications* Strong background representing indigent individuals living with mental illness in the civil and criminal justice systems.* Experience representing individuals charged or convicted of sex offenses. * Experience representing individuals with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.* Experience representing individuals committed under Ch.71.09 to the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island. * Experience supervising public defense staff or Managing Attorney contracts.* Experience presenting at training programs.* Understanding of and experience advocating against the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically disproportionately overrepresented in the criminal justice system.Compensation$118,9321 to $124,932 annually. Compensation depending on qualifications. Washington State employees are offered a comprehensive benefit package that includes: paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, retirement and health, dental and life insurance coverage for self and family.

 There are also options for deferred compensation and pre-tax flexible spending accounts.Application Requirements* To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for this position.* Provide three professional references with contact information - you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application or include with resume. Applicants will be notified before references are contacted.* Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile. * Attach a current résumé. * If you have problems navigating the online application process or uploading the required documents, please contact and/or send your attachments to tracy.sims@opd.wa.gov.Diversity, Equity and InclusionWe vigorously pursue diversity in the work force.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 year of age, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated, prior child welfare involvement, and military veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment. TeleworkingOur offices are in Olympia, Washington. We have teleworking options available by policy, and will be considered on an individual basis depending on the needs of the position and the availability of adequate equipment.