Notice of Position Vacancy
Position: Eviction Defense Program Counsel
Agency: Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid
Salary: $102,000 to $107,000 DOE
Location: Preferably in Puget Sound Region
Travel: Travel is required
Open: March 3, 2022
Close: Until Filled; OCLA reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time
Start Date: May 1, 2022 or as soon thereafter as possible
Overview
The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) seeks a highly motivated individual to
support effective implementation of the nation’s first appointed counsel program for indigent
tenants and to establish and staff OCLA’s program.
OCLA is the independent judicial branch agency that manages and oversees state appropriations
for civil legal aid in Washington State. Upon legislative directive, OCLA established and now
operates the nation’s first appointed counsel program for indigent tenants facing eviction. In
addition, 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 providing civil legal
assistance to victims of crime, (d) programs providing civil legal help to persons adversely
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and (e) a number of smaller niche programs.
Primary Activities
The Eviction Defense Program Counsel will work under the supervision of the Eviction Defense
Program Manager to support the Eviction Defense program. Principal responsibilities include,
but are not limited to:
1. Monitoring contract compliance and performance of Eviction Defense Program
contractors, including in-person and virtual observation of eviction defense dockets
throughout the state
Office of Civil Legal Aid
Eviction Defense Program Counsel
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2. Providing technical assistance, support to, and coordination with eviction defense
attorneys, courts, and other stakeholders
3. Strategic data analysis and reporting relating to the performance of eviction defense
contractors and the appointed counsel program generally
4. Supporting the independent research team studying the impact of the appointed counsel
program
5. Monitoring and reporting on court data trends
6. Assessing the need for and recommending changes necessary to ensure effective and
consistent implementation of the Eviction Defense Program
7. Coordinating with statewide advocacy and training staff to ensure meaningful access to
technical assistance and support for eviction defense providers and attorneys
8. Responding to requests for and providing necessary information to legislative members
and staff
9. Assisting in developing and monitoring program budgets and expenditures
10. Ensuring accountability to OCLA’s and contractors’ race equity commitments in the
administration and execution of this program.
11. Performing such other duties that, in consultation and under the supervision of the
Eviction Defense Program Manager or OCLA Director or the Director’s designee may
require
Skills and Background
1. Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or related professional and/or
lived experience that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the
position (required)
2. Relevant lived and/or professional experience (preferred)
3. Civil legal aid, pro bono, public defense, or other relevant legal experience (required)
4. 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 LGBTQIA or other sexual minorities, individuals
with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have
been historically marginalized in rental housing markets and in the law and justice
system. (required)
5. Knowledge and understanding of courts, court systems, and landlord-tenant law
(preferably Washington State landlord-tenant law) (required)
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (required)
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (esp. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
(required)
8. Ability to quickly learn and master new software applications as required
Reporting
The EDP Program Counsel reports to the EDP Program Manager
Office of Civil Legal Aid
Eviction Defense Program Counsel
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Compensation and Benefits
Location: OCLA operates predominately as a virtual agency; preference for location in the
Puget Sound region of western Washington
Salary: DOQ
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 filed electronically with evictiondefense@ocla.wa.gov and should
include the subject heading Statement of Interest -- Eviction Defense Program Counsel.
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
• A completed application for state employment (MS Word file)