Office of Public Defense - Counsel I

at  Franklin County WA

DESCRIPTION

The Public Defense Counsel (PDC) plans, organizes, performs, and coordinates the defense of appointed criminal or civil cases for the County. Applicants must meet the attached Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense. Pay is negotiable and will be determined from where applicant falls in the standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Expert knowledge of modern principles, methods, and practices in criminal and/or civil law and related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures as well as advanced knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Office of Public Defense. (Proficient skills required for PDC I)
• Proficient knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation and advanced knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence. (General skills required for PDC I)
• Proficient knowledge of Franklin County business and financial acumen and the application and interpretation of Franklin County policies and procedures and federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area(s) of assignment, according to current department and county practices. (General skills required for PDC I)
• Expert knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools, equipment, and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment according to current department and county practices. (Proficient skills required for PDC I)
• Proficient skills in analyzing complex legal problems, applying legal principles, and planning case strategies. (General skills required for PDC I)
• Expert skills in proactive troubleshooting, decision making, and resolving issues or problems by analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals. (Proficient skills required for PDC I)
• Expert time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully. (Proficient skills required for PDC I)
• General computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, the internet for research, and the ability to learn and develop proficient skills in the County-wide OPD resource planning software.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideals and recommendations effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgement.
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.
• Ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments and caseloads to meet deadlines, and communicate changes and progress to staff, remaining calm during emergency situations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• Ability to comply with the Standards for Indigent Defense

OR

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Washington.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Researches, documents, negotiates with prosecuting attorneys, prepares briefs, and defends cases, according to current department and County practices.
• Screens, reviews, and evaluates factual and legal basis for criminal complaints and/or cases filed to determine legal sufficiency; requests further investigation as necessary.
• Provides legal advice and information to appointed clients using verbal presentations and written documentation. May present information before the court, the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, or in administrative hearings.
• Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
• Oversees, if necessary, the creation, development, and maintenance of systems and records including case files, lists, logs, and other recordkeeping systems utilizing computerized and manual systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations, according to current department and county practices.
• Monitors, reports, interprets, communicates, and recommends changes to policy, procedures, or programs due to new trends, innovations, federal, state and local rules, laws, regulations, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to the assigned area of operations.

OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:

The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.