Legislative Assistant Supervisor (2 Positions) – House Republican Caucus

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Legislative Assistant Supervisor (2 Positions) – House Republican Caucus

Salary

$91,872.00 - $134,040.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2024-11103

Department

House of Representatives

Opening Date

09/30/2024

Closing Date

10/14/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Washington State House of Representatives
Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Legislative Assistant Supervisor (2 Positions) – House Republican Caucus
 
OPENS:September 30, 2024
CLOSES:October 14, 2024
REPORTS TO:Caucus Administrator
LOCATION:Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington
SALARY:$91,872 - $134,040 annually
 
(The above reflects the full salary range, starting salary based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and will likely be below the top of the range.)

About the House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts.  The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns.  Staff workgroups include, nonpartisan staff, Democratic Caucus staff and Republican Caucus staff. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January on the capitol campus in Olympia.  Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years.  Special legislative sessions occur as needed.  
 
Our workplace is on the beautiful capitol campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.  
 
The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:
 
  • We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
  • We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
  • We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.
About The House Republican Caucus: 
The Washington State House Republican Caucus (HRC) consists of 40 Republican members of the Washington State House of Representatives.  Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HRC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Republicans. Communications specialists help members of the HRC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative Assistants staff and manage individual member offices.   Learn more at: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov.

Duties

Position Profile: 
These positions support the Caucus Administrator to hire, supervise, mentor, and provide administrative oversight for an assigned group of House Republican Caucus Legislative Assistants (LAs).  Both positions will be Olympia based.
 
This recruitment will be used to fill two positions. Both positions include the CORE responsibilities. One position will use a working title of LA Supervisor --Professional Development/Training & Casework Coordinator and the other position will use a working title of LA Supervisor -- Special Projects Coordinator.
 
How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:
Supervision -- CORE

  • Co-supervise a cohort of LAs in conjunction with members, keeping the Caucus Administrator apprised of challenges, concerns, and plans of action for addressing issues as they occur.
  • Collaborate with LAs and/or members to address communication issues and opportunities for performance improvement. Confer with the Caucus Administrator, Chief of Staff and/or Human Resources, as needed.
  • Fulfill reporting duties in accordance with the House Respectful Workplace Policy.
  • Partner with the Caucus Administrator and other LA Supervisors to augment LA onboarding and coordinate ongoing training opportunities for LA success.
  • Meet with each cohort LA and member on regular basis to gather feedback, discuss goal setting, and identify professional development opportunities. 
  • Anticipate needs of the LA workgroup to provide relevant information in a timely manner and create monthly meeting agendas in collaboration with the Caucus Administrator and other LA Supervisors.
  • Partner with the Caucus Administrator during LA hiring process.
Personnel and Administrative Support -- CORE
  • Manage confidential employment information.
  • Act as a resource for LAs regarding House policies, forms, and operations.   
  • Review and approve administrative requests in accordance with House policies and procedures including travel authorizations, leave requests, interim schedules, overtime trackers, reimbursement requests, and session allowances.
  • Provide short-term member office coverage, including but not limited to monitoring email, answering phones, scheduling, responding to member requests, and responding to constituents. 
Legislative Assistant Supervisor -- Professional Development/Training & Casework Coordinator
  • Collaborate with Caucus Administrator and other LA supervisors to provide professional development opportunities; develop and manage ongoing LA training programs.
  • Develop a multi-year LA to Sr LAS professional development plan.
  • Facilitate and support HRC LA Mentor Program in collaboration with other LA Supervisors and designated LAs.
  • Facilitate and support LA skill shares and other ad hoc training based on need.
  • Lead the planning and coordination of annual LA Advance in collaboration with Caucus Administrator and other LA Supervisors.
  • Plan other professional development, training, or team building opportunities for monthly in-person days.
  • Work with Legislative Assistants to identify, plan, complete and close cases.
  • Communicate with state agency liaisons, local governments, and nonprofit service organizations to find options and facilitate solutions.  
  • Develop casework resource materials to share with Legislative Assistants
  • Represent member offices to constituents, agencies, and non-governmental organizations regarding casework.
  • Collaborate with LAs to represent each office by applying polite, confidential, efficient, and effective communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Maintain organized, detailed casework logs and case files in accordance with public record retention requirements.
  • Responsible for developing and providing regular casework briefings and trainings for caucus Legislative Assistants.  This includes organizing briefings from agencies or other service providers and providing on-going resources and trainings for staff. 
Legislative Assistant Supervisor & Special Projects Coordinator
  • Partner with Caucus Administrator and Senior Staff to provide new member office support.
  • Collaborate with Public Records Office to develop paper records archiving plans for member offices.
  • Collaborate with Caucus Administrator, Policy Staff Director, Communications Staff Director, and Chief of Staff to identify HRC all staff team building opportunities.
  • Collaborate with Caucus Administrator and other LA Supervisor on process improvement and additional development of LA reviews. Provide back up to the Caucus Administrator and other LA Supervisors for travel authorizations, leave requests, overtime trackers, reimbursements requests, and other administrative tasks, as needed.
  • Provide back up to Caucus Administrator on hiring for Leadership offices, as needed.
  • Develop and maintain internal HRC process documents and guides.
  • Special project coordination and collaboration, as needed.
  • Assist with Floor leader and Caucus Documents.
  • Attends business lobby meetings, all ranking member meetings committee caucus meetings that the ranking needs to have with the members. 
  • Ranking member LA training and committee caucus meetings that the ranking needs to have with the members.
  • Coordinate the production and distribution of internal policy and communications documents. 
  • Assist communications staff and legislative assistants in obtaining current information on issues or bills.
  • Work with members and legislative assistants in responding to constituent inquiries on specific bills and topics.

Qualifications

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree AND paid supervisory responsibility.  Comparable years of applicable knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for education.
  • Highly organized and able to perform detailed tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints.
  • Able to prioritize a wide variety of short- and long-term tasks from multiple individuals.
  • Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence.
  • Communicate effectively internally and externally.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated success in employee hiring, supervision, and management of staff.
  • Commitment to applying best practices for attracting and retaining a diverse and effective workforce.
  • Experience mediating disputes. 
Desirable/Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of the legislative process and an understanding of the unique needs and power dynamics of staffing elected officials.
  • Experience working directly with or staffing elected officials in government offices.
Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Supplemental Information

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence in Olympia during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility.  *This position is currently approved for in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite in-person presence when requested.

Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.  
 
How to Apply:
Intrigued?  If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and
(3) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).
 
Send application materials and direct any questions to:    HouseHR@leg.wa.gov 
 
The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at niki.pavlicek@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7030, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022

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