Closing Date: 3rd April, 2024
Description:
Job Summary:Are you passionate about advocating for the welfare of vulnerable individuals in our community? Join our team as an Assistant County Attorney specializing in Human Services, where you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the legal rights and protection of children, families, and at-risk adults. As part of our career progression series, you'll have the opportunity to advance as you demonstrate your expertise and dedication. From presenting cases in court to providing crucial legal advice to DHS staff, your work will directly impact the lives of those in need. If you have a strong foundation in Colorado law, exceptional research and writing skills, and a commitment to justice, apply now to join our dynamic team and make a difference every day!!!
Please be advised this position may close on or after 03/21/2024 without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.
Provides legal services, advice, and representation to the Department of Human Services (DHS); advises DHS staff on legal aspects of casework and assists staff in preparing for litigation. At will employee; serves at the will and pleasure of the County Attorney. This position is part of the Assistant County Attorney – Human Services Division career progression series, which includes Assistant County Attorney I – Human Services Division, Assistant County Attorney II – Human Services Division, and Assistant County Attorney III – Human Services Division. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Presents cases before all relevant courts and administrative bodies.
- Prepares memoranda of law and opinion letters as needed and directed by the Chief Deputy County Attorney.
- Researches and interprets the Colorado Children's Code, Probate Code, Social Services Code, and the Colorado Code of Regulations pertaining to same.
- Researches other State and Federal statutory and common law, regulations, policies, agency letters, legal treatises, articles, manuals, and writing in the field as needed to prepare all cases or legal issues for hearings, trials, or other resolutions.
- Interprets and applies Colorado Rules of Civil, Juvenile, Probate, and Appellate Procedure.
- Provides training to DHS staff regarding legal aspects of case preparation, trial/hearing preparation, testimony, and related legal processes as needed.
- Provides other legal services as requested by the Chief Deputy County Attorney and/or County Attorney.
- Participates in rotation of 24-hour on-call consultation service to El Paso County DHS Intake.
- Organizes trial and hearing preparation; drafts and files legal documents and prepares questions and arguments necessary for hearings or trials; notifies and interviews witnesses; reviews evidence.
- Executes administrative duties as requested by the Chief Deputy County Attorney and/or County Attorney.
- Attends meetings with DHS staff to coordinate legal services and policies with client.
- Meets with counsel representing parents, children, at-risk adults, and other parties to identify litigated issues, resolving them through mediation, negotiation, stipulation, and/or trial.
- Attends meetings at the direction of the Chief Deputy County Attorney with agencies, organizations, and groups within the legal and child welfare communities.
- Utilizes State court and State agency computer systems. Conducts computer-based legal research.
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the Colorado Children's, Probate, and Social Services Codes; civil, probate, juvenile, and appellate procedure; the Colorado Code of Regulations pertaining to the same, and the Colorado Revised Statutes as they pertain to local government.
- Sufficient knowledge of social work, medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment of children involved in the juvenile court system.
- Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with clients, court, court staff, opposing counsel, fellow employees and all others with whom contact is had in this professional capacity.
- Sufficient computer skills to perform essential job functions; experience with Microsoft Office and various databases, software, and computer systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively and establish effective working relationships.
- Ability to prepare and organize cases.
- Ability to manage high volume court divisions and handle complex legal issues.
- Strong legal research and writing skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or direction.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Required Education and Experience:
- J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Admission to and a member in good standing with the Colorado Bar required within one (1) year of employment; or
- Authorized to practice law in Colorado pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 205.6.
- Minimum three years experience as a practicing attorney; two years of the required experience must pertain to juvenile law.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Two years of juvenile legal experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- License in good standing as Attorney and Counselor at Law issued by the Colorado Supreme Court required within one year of employment.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination.
Work Conditions:
Duties are performed in an office, remote, and/or court environment; some travel may be required. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 25 lbs.