Description:

Definition:
Please note: This is a continuous recruitment. Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.

Decorative graphic of Humboldt County Seal.

Deputy County Counsel I - IV
Please note: The assignment for this position will be representing Child Welfare Services.

Scan the QR code above using your mobile device or visit the link below to view this job posting online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca/jobs/5230071/deputy-county-counsel-i-iv-child-welfare-services

Definition:
Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature in representing the County and providing advice and counsel to the Board of Supervisors and County management staff and commissions and committees; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This Is a Multi-Level Class in Which Incumbents May Be Assigned to Any of Four Levels, Depending upon Experience, Proficiency Gained, and The Complexity of Assigned Projects. the Work May Be Related to Any of A Number of Legal Specialty Areas and Normally Includes Providing Legal Services for One or More County Departments and Their Associated Elected Officials and Appointed Boards and Commissions. Involvement in Formal Litigation, Discretionary Powers, and Direction of The Work of Other Professional Staff Increase as Incumbents Progress Through the Various Levels. Deputy County Counsel Iv Is Considered to Be the Highest Level Non-Supervisory Class, Fully Capable of Working Independently in Any Number of Specialist Areas and Provides Direction and Training to Less Experienced Staff. While Expertise May Be Gained in A Specialized Area, Incumbents May Direct or Assist with Legal Matters in Any Area of County Agency Law. These Classes Are Distinguished from Assistant County Counsel in That the Latter Is a Full Supervisory Class with Responsibility for A Major Area of County Legal Matters and May Act as The County Counsel on A Relief Basis.

Examples of Duties:

Advises County Departmental Management Concerning Their Respective Duties, Powers, Functions and Obligations.
Performs a Wide Range of Legal Work in Such Areas as Juvenile, Child Welfare, Criminal, Public Guardian, Special Districts and Mental Health.
Researches Legal Problems and Prepares Opinions, Ordinances, Resolutions, Contracts, Leases, Permits and Other Legal Documents.
Prepares and Tries Routine to Difficult Cases, Often Involving a Specialized Body of Law.
Represents the County in Administrative Hearings Before Boards and Commissions and State and Federal Agencies.
Assists Other Attorneys in All Phases of Legal Work.
Attends County Departmental, Board and Commission Meetings to Provide Legal Advice on A Variety of Matters.
Investigates and Prepares Reports Regarding Claims Against the County.
Reviews Ordinances, Resolutions, Contracts and Other Documents for Legal Sufficiency; Recommends Modifications as Required.
Maintains Accurate Records and Files and Compiles Reports of Work Performed.
Monitors Legal Developments, Including Proposed Legislation and Court Decisions; Evaluates Their Impact on County Operations and Recommends Appropriate Action.
Directs the Work of Professional and Support Staff as Assigned.

Qualifications:
Knowledge Of:

Civil and Administrative Law and Procedures.
Procedures and Practices and Effective Techniques in Presentation of Court Cases.
Judicial Procedures and Rules of Evidence.
Principles, Methods and Techniques of Legal Research and Investigation.
State and Federal Laws and Constitutional Provisions Affecting County Agencies' Operation.
Responsibilities and Obligations of Public Officials and Administrative Agencies.
County Governmental Organization, Structure and Functional Responsibilities.
Rules of Procedure Governing the Conduct of Hearings Before Administrative Bodies.

Skill In:

Defining Issues, Performing Legal Research, Analyzing Problems, Evaluating Alternatives and Making Appropriate Recommendations.
Presenting Statements of Fact, Law and Argument Clearly and Logically.
Exercising Sound, Independent Judgment Within the General Policy Guidelines and Legal Parameters.
Interpreting State and Federal Laws and Constitutional Provisions Affecting County Operations.
Representing the County Effectively in Hearings, Courts of Law and Meetings with Others. Preparing Clear, Concise and Legally Sufficient Resolutions, Ordinances, Contracts, Leases, Permits, Reports, Correspondence and Other Written Materials.
Establishing and Maintaining Effective Working Relationships with Those Contacted in The Course of The Work.

Other Requirements:
Must Possess a Valid California Driver's License. Must Be a Current Member of The California State Bar Association.

Desirable Education and Experience:
A Typical Way to Obtain the Knowledge and Skills Outlined Above Is:
Deputy County Counsel I: Equivalent to Graduation from A Four Year College or University, Plus an Appropriate Law Degree.

Deputy County Counsel Ii: In Addition to The Above, One Year of Experience as An Attorney Engaged in The Practice of Law in The State of California, Preferably in A County Government Setting.

Deputy County Counsel Iii: In Addition to The Above, Two Additional Years of Experience (a Total of Three Years) as An Attorney Engaged in The Practice of Law in The State of California, Preferably in A County Government Setting.

Deputy County Counsel Iv: In Addition to The Above, Two Additional Years of Experience (for a Total of Five Years) as An Attorney Engaged in The Practice of Law in The State of California, Preferably in A County Government Setting. Demonstrated Increased Ability to Litigate a Wide Variety of Civil Lawsuits and To Advise County Agencies with A Minimum of Supervision Is Required for Advancement to The Level of Deputy County Counsel Iv.

Working Conditions & Additional Information

Additional Information:
How to Apply:
A Complete, Original Application Must Be Filed for Each Position You Are Interested in Applying For. Applicants Must Apply Online Through the County's Automated Application System at Https://www.Governmentjobs.Com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications Must Be Submitted No Later than The Final Filing Date and Time Listed on The Job Flyer.

It Is Important that Your Application Shows All the Relevant Education and Experience You Possess. Human Resources Staff Does Not Consider or Review Resumes or Attachments. Incomplete Applications Will Be Rejected.

Please Read the Job Requirements Section of The Announcement. Be Sure You Meet These Requirements Since They Will Be Carefully Evaluated During the Selection Process.

Your Performance in Any Employment Examinations Will Be Compared with The Performance of Others Who Take the Tests. the Examination Results Will Be Emailed to You as Quickly as Possible.

Selection Procedure:
The County Utilizes a Set of Rules to Ensure that Our Hiring Processes Are Fair and Equitable. Applications Will Be Screened and Those Considered Qualified Will Be Invited to Appear for An Oral And/or Written Examination. Meeting the Requirements Does Not Guarantee Inclusion Into the Selection Process. Depending upon The Number of Applications Received, the Selection Process May Consist of Additional Application Screening, Written And/or Practical Exam(s), Oral Interview, or Any Combination Thereof.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Fill out The Application?

You Should Allow 30 – 45 Minutes to Fill out Your Application.
Can I Change My Application After Submitting It?

No. Once an Application Has Been Submitted, It Is Final. Applicants May Submit a New Application with Updated Information During the Filing Period if They Wish. only The Most Recent Application Submitted Will Be Considered. All Other Applications Will Not Be Considered.
How Long until I Hear Back from You and How Can I Check for Updates on My Application?

You May Receive Communications Regarding Your Application at Different Stages of The Selection Process. Important Updates Will Be Sent to The Email Address Listed in Your Governmentjobs.Com Account at The Time of Notification. to Ensure You Don't Miss Any Critical Information, We Recommend Keeping Your Email Address Current and Regularly Checking Both Your Inbox and Junk Mail Folders Throughout the Process. You Can Also Log Into Your Governmentjobs.Com Account at Any Time to Check Your Application Status. if You Have Any Questions About Your Application's Progress, Please Contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or Personnel@co.Humboldt.Ca.Us.
Will I Be Informed if I Am Not Selected for An Interview / Oral Exam?

Yes, You Will Be Informed via Email if You Are Not Selected for An Interview / Oral Exam.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research Indicates that Individuals in Protected Classes Can Be Less Likely to Submit a Job Application. the County of Humboldt Is Dedicated to Building a Diverse, Inclusive, and Authentic Workplace Whe