Deputy Public Defender II/III - Conservatorship and Speciality Court Attorney

  • County of El Dorado
  • Shingle Springs, California
  • May 08, 2024
Full Time Court Administration Legal Services Public Safety
  • Salary: $109,054.40 - $151,611.20 Annually USD

Job Description

Description



**HIRE-ON INCENTIVES AVAILABLE**

THE COUNTY OF EL DORADO


The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continue to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County of El Dorado is also supportive of providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with the Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE


The Public Defender's Office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel. The Public Defender’s office provides quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner, providing constitutional balance to the El Dorado County legal system.

THE OPPORTUNITY

You will have the opportunity to perform advanced professional legal duties in support of the Public Defender's Office; provide public defense and legal services for high-profile court-appointed cases; perform complex legal research; plan and coordinate investigations for legal defense cases.

The selected candidate may be eligible for the following recruitment incentives:*
  • Up to $6,000 to be paid in equal installments for the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods in the position.
  • A fixed amount of additional vacation leave to be accrued in equal installments in each of the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods of employment.
  • Up to $6,000 relocation expense reimbursement for moving expenses for the candidate’s household, including pets, when the candidate's primary residence is more than one hundred (100) miles from the assigned work location using the shortest commonly traveled route.

*Recruitment incentive and relocation expense reimbursement eligibility and administration are subject to the County of El Dorado Personnel Rules . Current County of El Dorado Employees are not eligible to receive recruitment incentives or reimbursement.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to:
  • Represent conservatees in conservatorship proceedings, including initial hearings, status reviews, review accountings, and petitions for termination or modification of conservatorship.
  • Represent clients in specialty court proceedings including mental health diversion cases.
  • Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support conservatees' positions and arguments.
  • Prepare and file legal documents, including petitions, motions, briefs, and other court filings.
  • Regularly visits clients to explain the conservatorship process and advise them of their rights.
  • Advocate zealously on behalf of the conservatees in court hearings and proceedings, presenting evidence and legal arguments to support their interests.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers, medical professionals, and guardians ad litem, to ensure the holistic representation of conservatees.
  • Maintain accurate and up to date case records, documentation, and correspondence.
  • Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and legal developments impacting conservatorship proceedings.
  • Represent clients with mental health conditions who are eligible for mental health diversion programs, including both felony misdemeanor cases.
  • Collaborate with mental health professionals, court personnel, prosecutors, and other stakeholders to develop and implement diversion plans tailored to clients' individual needs.
  • Provide ongoing legal advice and counsel to clients regarding their rights, options, and obligation within the mental health diversion program.
  • Monitor clients' progress and compliance with diversion program requirements, including attending treatment sessions, counseling appointments, and court appearances.


THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The El Dorado County Public Defender’s office is seeking an exceptional attorney to join our team as a Specialty Court Attorney, which involves handling specialty courts such as mental health diversion, misdemeanor diversion, CARE Court (December 2024), and representation of persons facing conservatorship proceedings, including jury trials. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of legal expertise, compassion, and advocacy skills to effectively represent these vulnerable clients. This position offers a rewarding opportunity for someone with a passion for helping people and a commitment to promoting justice and equity. Experience in these specialty fields is a plus, but not a requirement. We will train the right candidate!

Located in the breathtaking beauty of rural El Dorado County, our office is not just a workplace, but a culture committed to making a real difference. Our perfect candidate goes beyond being a legal professional; they are a fervent advocate for fairness and equality, committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, receives zealous and compassionate representation. The ideal candidate will value the smaller caseload provided by a rural community setting.

Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following recommendations.

Education and Experience:

Deputy Public Defender I : (For reference only)

A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from an accredited law school.

Deputy Public Defender II :
In addition to the education noted in the I-level, one (1) year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense, is required.

Deputy Public Defender III :
In addition to the education noted in the I-level, one (1) additional year of experience (for a total of three [3] years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense, is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California or Nevada Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
  • Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Click here to view the minimum qualifications for Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV as well as the physical, environmental, and working conditions.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' link at the top of this announcement. When your online application and responses to the required supplemental questions are complete, click 'Accept'.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, contact Kelly Gatchet in Human Resources at kelly.gatchet@edcgov.us

Click Here to get tips for applying with the County.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS The Human Resources Department will screen all applications to identify qualified candidates. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment process.

Training and Experience Evaluation

A training and experience evaluation will be utilized to determine an applicant's ability to continue in the recruitment process ranking for referral to specific vacancies. Based upon the information in the application and/or responses to supplemental questions, the applicant's education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.

Supplemental questions play an integral role in this recruitment process. Please take the time to provide thoughtful and thorough responses. The information you provide may be used to determine your ranking for referral to specific vacancies. All work experience described or included in your response(s) MUST be included in your application's "Work Experience" section. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation.

For more information on the recruitment process, click here.

Based on the department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The County of El Dorado is recruiting applicants for Deputy Public Defender II/III. This recruitment will establish a list for the purpose of filling current and future full-time, part-time, and extra help vacancies for at least three (3) months. In accordance with Personnel Rules 1103.1 and 1105.1, an extra help or limited term employee may be transitioned into a regular employee if the department in which the employee works has a vacant allocated position for the same classification as held by the extra help or limited term employee and the appointing authority requests such transfer.

If you are interested in the position of Deputy Public Defender II/III, please submit an application.

We currently have the following vacancies:

  • One (1) full-time vacancy in the Public Defender's Office, located in Shingle Springs, CA.


Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

The County of El Dorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

As required by Internal Revenue Service Publication 1075, individuals in positions that have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI), will be subject to a background investigation and a criminal history check. In addition, individuals hired into positions that have access to FTI will be re-investigated at least once every ten (10) years.

Many job classifications require pre-employment medical screening. Depending on the job classification, medical screening may include drug testing; a positive test may result in revocation of an employment offer.

Not just rustic mining towns and historic sites - Today El Dorado County is a year-round vacation destination overflowing with outdoor adventure, inviting agritourism locations, enriching family activities, and a proud Gold Rush history.

Escape the traffic and smog because El Dorado County is just:
  • 40 miles from Downtown Sacramento
  • 50 miles from Sacramento Airport
  • 129 miles to San Francisco

Here are a few of the many activities and events available throughout El Dorado County:
  • Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Watersports
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Live Music and Music Festivals
  • Local Craft Breweries and Wineries
  • El Dorado County Fair
  • Placerville Speedway
  • Farm to Fork Restaurants
  • Local Shopping Gems

Employees who are buying a home in El Dorado County may qualify for down payment assistance. Click here for more information .


CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO TO LEARN MORE!


The County of El Dorado is committed to providing a comprehensive, flexible benefits program to meet your needs!

For your Health and Well-Being:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts - FSA & HSA
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability (LTD)
  • Discounts on gym memberships

For your Financial Future:
  • CalPERSRetirement
  • Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
  • Optional Life Insurance

For your Work/Life Balance:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Floating Holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accruals

To learn more about the benefits offered by the County of El Dorado please visit our website located here.

Extra help employees are not considered regular employees, therefore do not attain civil service status, and do not receive benefits or paid leaves; however, they do accrue sick leave consistent with the law.

Closing Date/Time: 5/28/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Base Pay

109,054

Job Address

Shingle Springs, California United States View Map