House of Representatives
Job Description
Legislative Assistant to Members

Mission:
To assist Legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing support services in the areas of administration, communication, research and public relations.

Reports to:
Representative, Caucus Staff Director, Chief Clerk

Necessary Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  • Office and personnel management
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Word processing skills necessary to work with speed and accuracy
  • Knowledge of computer chart, graph and table formatting
  • Familiarity with legislative, administrative and judicial systems     
  • Ability to research and analyze relevant constituent issues, to track legislation and prepare member briefings and materials.
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints
  • Ability to work both independently and cooperatively
  • Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality

Typical Assignments(These tasks may vary depending on the needs of individual Legislators)

Administration

  • Manage daily operation of Olympia and/or district office. 
  • Manage the Representative's schedule and travel arrangements, providing all materials.
  • Supervise, as delegated by the member, independent interns and volunteers.  Coordinate with the House intern program to direct the work of House interns

Communication

  • Manage constituent inquiries and casework
  • Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Representative, legislators, state officials, staff, agency personnel, stakeholders and constituents in the development and advancement of legislation.
  • Serve as a liaison between the Representative and constituents of the
  • Legislative District; exercising independent judgment to determine and implement appropriate courses of action

Research

  • Track advancement of bills through the legislative process.  This may entail monitoring of committee hearings, securing committee testimony and records preparation.
  • Identify and monitor district specific issues
  • Work with OPR and Caucus staff to develop materials and prepare briefings for members.

Public Relations    

  • Represent the office at legislative and community events.
  • Work with PIO and Representative on articles, newsletters, press releases and speeches.
  • Work with PIO to coordinate town hall meetings and district events.

Preferred Education and Work Experience
Relevant education, experience and knowledge as determined by the House administration 

                                    -OR-

BA with major emphasis in business, political science, public administration or related field

Prior legislative experience is preferred.

Send resumes to the Chief Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504.