Position: Children’s Representation Program Manager
Agency: Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid
Salary: $102,500 - $110,000 Annually DOQ
Location: Olympia, WA (preferred); Alternative locations possible
Travel: Substantial travel is required
Open: December 21, 2021
Closed: Open until filled. This announcement will remain open, and applications taken until the position is filled. The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.
Overview
Recognizing that effective representation of children in dependency cases by qualified and properly trained attorneys results in improved permanency and wellbeing outcomes, the Washington State Legislature recently established a right to appoint attorneys for children and youth eight years old and above in dependency cases. The new law requires full implementation of this expanded right to counsel for children and youth over the next six-state fiscal years. The Legislature assigned responsibility for the administration of the program to OCLA, an independent agency in the judicial branch of state government.
OCLA’s Children’s Representation Program (CRP) underwrites and oversees the delivery of standards-based, effective, equity-informed, and culturally competent attorney representation for children and youth for whom attorneys are appointed under state law. OCLA is recruiting for a visionary leader to ensure an effective transition to full implementation of the newly expanded right to counsel and continue the agency’s efforts to foster a fundamental change in the dynamics of Washington State’s child welfare practices that have historically and continue to cause disproportionate harms to children and youth of color, who have a range of learning and related disabilities, who are victims of multiple and compounding traumas, and who have never had a legal voice in the process. OCLA Children’s Representation Program Manager 12/20/2021 Page 2 of 4
Principal Responsibilities
The Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of the CRP, including the design and implementation of expanded CRP services pursuant to Chapter 210, laws of 2021 (codified at RCW 13.34.267). Working under the direction of the OCLA Director and executive leadership team, and with CRP Program Counsel and staff, the CRP Program Manager will:
Oversee implementation of the expanded right to appointed counsel for children and youth eight years of age and older in dependency cases (ref. HB 1219)
Oversee and maintain the effective operation of the CRP program for children and youth eligible for appointed counsel six months following termination of their parents’ legal rights
Coordinate attorney recruitment and retention strategies for both programs consistent with OCLA’s commitment to race equity, inclusion, and diversity
Establish, maintain, and oversee systems for effective oversight and accountability of contract attorneys to equity-informed, standards-based, culturally competent representation of children in dependency and termination cases
Cultivate relationships with state-based law schools to establish and maintain a pipeline of diverse, passionate, and well-trained new lawyers committed to effective legal representation of children in child welfare cases
In accordance with OCLA contracting protocols, oversee the origination, negotiation, and execution of contracts for attorneys and firms to provide standards-based legal representation of children and youth in accordance with the standards adopted by the Washington State Supreme Court’s Commission on Children in Foster Care
Oversee the system for receipt, approval, and payment of invoices for CRP contract attorneys
Expand and oversee the CRP contractor training program consistent with changes in substantive law, child welfare practice, cultural competency and race equity imperatives, and other relevant considerations
Develop strategies to foster and support a statewide community of practice among CRP contract attorneys, including coordination of systemic legal representational strategies for children and youth in dependency cases
Develop and oversee contract attorney performance review procedures and systems
Supervise dedicated OCLA CRP Program Counsel and staff
Develop systems to define, track, and report on data relevant to CRP effectiveness including, but not limited to, outcomes, race equity indicators, and geographic differentials in the treatment of children and youth in dependency cases
Upgrade and maintain OCLA’s CRP website
Serve as the primary legislative liaison between OCLA and the Washington State Legislature, the Washington State Supreme Court’s Commission on Children in Foster Care, and other key stakeholders on matters relating to CRP program operations
OCLA Children’s Representation Program Manager 12/20/2021 Page 3 of 4
In consultation with OCLA executive leadership, develop, track, oversee, and project CRP budgets and expenditures
Perform such other duties that, in consultation and under the supervision of the OCLADirector or the Director’s designee, as may be required
Skills and Background
•Juris Doctor (required)•At least five years’ experience working in the child welfare system or other work impacting the civil justice needs of youth and children. Experience representing young people in either juvenile justice, child welfare, or other relevant civil legal cases(preferred)•Lived experience as or with children or youth involved in the child welfare system(preferred)•Demonstrated understanding of the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically disproportionately overrepresented in the child welfare and related law and justice systems (required)•Knowledge and understanding of courts, the court system, child welfare law, and standards-based legal representation of children and youth in child welfare cases(required)•Experience with governmental contract management, oversight, data tracking, and reporting (preferred)•Excellent written, oral, and communication skills (required)•Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) (required); experience with data tracking, analysis, and reporting (preferred)•Ability to quickly learn and master new software applications, as required (required)
Reporting
The CRP Program Manager reports to the Director of the Office of Civil Legal Aid or the Director’s designee.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $102,500 - $110,000 annually (Depending on Qualifications)
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 benefit information
Application Procedure
Applications must be filed electronically with ocla@ocla.wa.gov and should include the subject heading Statement of Interest – Children’s Representation Program Manager.
Submissions must include:
A cover letter and resume outlining the applicant’s credentials and professional/lived experience that is responsive to the skills and background outlined in this Notice
A list of at least three (3) peer professional references
A self-edited writing sample describing the outcomes of a specific project or program that the applicant has managed or been involved with as a principal
Application for State Jobs (Word file)
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 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 identify or 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 a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact support@ocla.wa.gov.
OCLA believes in providing substantial professional flexibility consistent with necessary accountability considerations. We also support Washington State’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts. We, therefore, take a generous approach to telecommunication and remote work activity. 1