SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER

We Want You to Join Our Passionate Public Defense Team!

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program (PRP) is seeking a full-time Social Services Manager to work as part of a team to implement anti-racist practices, quality oversight and continual improvement of the Parents Representation Program (the Program). The Program administers contract social service professionals and contract attorneys’ representation to provide support for indigent parents involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings in Washington juvenile courts. The Program utilizes standards and protocols that historically have resulted in significant improvements in child permanency and family reunification.

Social Services Managers monitor and evaluate contracts in accordance with industry requirements. Social Services Managers work with OPD managing attorneys, support staff, contracted independent social service professionals, contracted attorneys, child welfare agencies and others as necessary to ensure parent clients receive quality assistance. They may also work in a variety of statewide committees or legislative initiatives. For more information about our program please visit our webpage.

Periodic travel is required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel. Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently.

About the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD)

The Office of Public Defense (OPD) is 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

We administer a variety of programs, including systemic improvement programs and programs providing direct representation. To learn about OPD’s 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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We vigorously pursue diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years 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.

Program Description

The PRP administers contract attorney representation and independent social work support services for indigent parents involved in child dependency and parent rights termination proceedings in Washington family and juvenile courts. Managing Attorneys and Managing Social Services Managers are responsible for overseeing all contracts for a specified group of counties. The PRP utilizes standards and protocols that historically have resulted in significant improvements in child permanency and family reunification.

Parents Representation Program 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.

Duties

General Responsibilities

• Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
• Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD, statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
• Diligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirements.
• Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Salary

• $91,464 - $123,084/year

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in social worker or related field.
• Seven years’ work experience in social services.
• Able to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with a diverse community of child welfare professionals and others.
• Demonstrate 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 child welfare and related law and justice systems.
• Can prioritize tasks, and to function independently as well as part of a team in a collaborative environment.
• Attention to detail and excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Work effectively with consumers of public defense services in either dependency and/or criminal proceedings and the systems that serve such individuals.
• Able to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with a diverse community of public defense contractors, legal systems, community service providers and others.
• Proficient with computer use and can become proficient in the use of specialized case management tools.
• Attention to detail and excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel, as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or advanced degree in a related field.
• Preference given to individuals with prior direct experience and management working in public child welfare dependency and termination legal proceedings.
• Prior direct experience working for public defense attorneys providing direct legal representation.
• Demonstrated excellent client relationship building skills and commitment to providing client-centered advocacy for individuals served by public defense systems.
• Working knowledge of resources and issues relevant to individuals and families impacted by legal proceedings.
• Experience with contract administration, or program development or program administration, or related field.
• Experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class interact to create disparities for individuals experiencing state intervention in their lives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the court system, laws and legal terminology.
• Have ability to prioritize tasks, function independently, as well as part of team in a collaborative environment. Ability and desire to communicate with and advocate for individuals impacted by public defense systems.
• Ability and desire to communicate with and advocate for individuals impacted by legal systems.
• Have promoted systemic change in important aspects of legal service delivery.
• Experience with contract management and supervision.
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice.

Other Information

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 or lived experience references with contact information - you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application or include with resume.

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile.

• Attach a current résumé.

• A one-page, self-edited (not AI generated) writing sample describing how your management style is grounded in, and committed to, anti-racist practices and representation.

• Contact ParentsRepAdmin@opd.wa.gov with questions about the position.
  

• If you need assistance with the online application process or have problems uploading the required materials, contact tracy.sims@opd.wa.gov.

COVID-19
With regard to COVID-19, OPD will follow the guidance of federal and state restrictions in considering any future at home or in office work requirements and will strive to maintain a policy that is safe for the office and individual employees. Currently, people working in the office must be vaccinated or have an accommodation approved by the Director.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We 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.

Teleworking
Our 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.

Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026