Session Caseworker, House Democratic Caucus



Session Caseworker, House Democratic Caucus

Salary

$4,052.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2023-14287

Department

House of Representatives

Opening Date

11/03/2023

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

Washington State House of Representatives
 Session Recruitment Announcement


Session Caseworker, House Democratic Caucus

 

OPENS:

November 3, 2023

CLOSES:

Open until filled, with early applications considered first

REPORTS TO:

Caucus Operations Coordinator, Chief of Staff

LOCATION:

Thurston County – Olympia, Washington

SALARY:

$4,052 monthly

 

This is a full-time, temporary position with an anticipated start date of mid-December and an anticipated end date of March 08, 2024.

 

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 in the Capitol Building 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 Democratic Caucus: 

The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative assistants staff member offices and support legislators in successfully fulfilling their duties through scheduling and administration, office management, bill tracking, casework and constituent correspondence. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.

 

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an organization, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.  Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can Washington State House of Representatives employees achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the House of Representatives.

Duties

Position Profile:

The Session Caseworker assists constituents by liaising with state and local agencies and service providers on behalf of legislative offices. Daily work is overseen by the Casework Coordinator and Caucus Operations Coordinator. 

 

How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:

  • 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  
  • Represent member offices to constituents, agencies, and non-governmental organizations regarding casework
  • Represent each office as instructed by applying polite, confidential, efficient and effective communication and problem solving skills
  • Provide written updates to member offices and Casework Coordinator as required
  • Maintain organized, detailed casework logs and case files in accordance with public record retention requirements

Qualifications

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

  • Proven problem-solving abilities
  • Knowledge of state and local government agency functions and services, and judicial structure
  • 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 
  • Effective and culturally competent communicator
  • Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence
  • Ability to uphold legislative decorum, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

  • Handle sensitive cases and respectfully communicate with constituents experiencing crisis 
  • Listen, problem solve, and communicate with kindness and empathy
  • Bilingual a plus
  • Persistent and resourceful in conducting research and problem solving
  • Prior experience or training in casework, social work, or working for elected officials
  • Prior legislative, office management, and administrative support experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook email and calendar functions
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 during the legislative session, including state holidays. Some evening and weekend work may be required.  

 

Benefits:

This position is temporary and not eligible for benefits.  

 

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 tjobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov. Applicant screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, but early applications will be considered first.

 

The Washington State House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, 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 ADA Coordinator Kyle Overmiller at kyle.overmiller@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7271, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 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

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact