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 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 fulltime 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. 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, persons over 40 years of age, persons of disability, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply
