Session Aide to HDC Member Office, Washington State House of Representatives

Mission:  To assist Legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing administrative and constituent support services

Location: Fully remote. House staff are encouraged to work remotely during the 2022 session, per the House COVID-19 Operations Plan. Employees should reside within the State of Washington. Travel to Olympia on first and last day of employment is required

Openings:  The House Democratic Caucus has four Session Aide openings for the 2022 legislative session. Two positions support specific member offices and two will provide general support to multiple members and caucus staff. Specific responsibilities for each position may vary

Reports to:  Legislative Assistant, Representative, Legislative Assistant Staff Director, Chief Clerk

Salary range:  $3,950/month. This is an exempt session/temporary position and is not eligible for benefits

Employment Dates: December 29, 2021 to approximately March 11, 2021

Closing Date: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received

To Apply:  Please send your cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in working with the House Democratic Caucus and resume in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please include how you heard about this position. Interviews will take place using a video conferencing platform.

PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence
• Persistent and resourceful in conducting research and problem solving
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook email and calendar functions, with the ability to work with speed and accuracy in these programs.
• Experience scheduling meetings using video conference technology including Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Knowledge of legislative process, and state and local government structure, functions, and services
• Ability to work independently, uphold legislative decorum, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality
• Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds encouraged to apply

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Administration:

• Answer phones and screen calls for Legislative Assistant
• Assist with scheduling tasks by maintaining accurate lists of appointment requests, setting up video conference links, and timekeeping
• Prepare meeting materials, compile issue files, update rosters and contact lists, edit and format documents
• Take accurate notes and messages from constituent, staff, agency and stakeholder calls and meetings.
• At direction of the Legislative Assistant or Staff Director, maintain filing systems for correspondence, scheduling, budget requests, and committee materials
• Maintain office records in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act

Correspondence & Communication:

• With supervision of Legislative Assistant, draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls
• Manage a high volume of constituent inquiries, providing friendly and accurate information to callers about the legislative process
• Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Representative, legislators, state officials, staff, agency personnel, stakeholders and constituents in the development and advancement of legislation
• With supervision of Legislative Assistant, perform casework, including facilitating communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems. Coordinate with caucus caseworker when appropriate

Bill and Budget Tracking:

• Maintain tracking spreadsheets to follow advancement of bills and budget requests throughout legislative process and ensure that timelines and deadlines are met.
• Support the Legislative Assistant in tracking and organizing member and stakeholder requests and information.

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.

The Washington State House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or using a service animal. 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.