Assistant Public Defender (FT/PT)

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:

Legal representation by qualified attorneys of indigent individuals charged with crimes and other legal matters that might result in incarceration. Position provides for full time and part-time salaried employment. This description applies uniformly to both full and part-time positions unless otherwise specified.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

1. Attorneys are expected to handle representation of indigent clients in criminal proceedings from the preliminary hearing at the Magisterial District Justice through final appeals to Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

2. Attorneys are required to handle various other matters including, but not limited to Juvenile, Mental Health Commitment Hearings, Drug Court, Summary Appeals, PFA violations, Extradition and Child Support Contempt matters as needed.

3. Attorneys are required to cover for office during Criminal Motions Court, Expedited Plea/Fast Track days and Call of the Criminal List as required.

4. Attorneys are responsible for handling all matters in which the Office is involved, including but not limited to hearings on bond motions, pretrial motions, general pleas and sentencings.

5. Work with investigators, support staff and paralegals during case preparation.

6. Retain and cooperate with expert witnesses as required for individual cases.

7. Maintain regular contact with clients as necessary.

8. Enter Westmoreland County Prison and other correctional facilities as necessary.

9. Coordinate with treatment agencies and providers of drug/alcohol, mental health and other services for client.

10. Attend regular continuing education seminars and training as necessary.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Attends meetings, trainings and seminars as required.

2. Performs other job-related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Directly supervised and reports to the Chief Public Defender and First Assistant Public Defender.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works indoors in adequate office space, with adequate lighting, temperature and ventilation.

2. Normal exposure to noise and stress and other disruptions.

3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

4. Required travel to several Magisterial District Courts, Juvenile Service Center, regional Behavioral Health Facilities and as may be additionally required for client representation and case preparation.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Must possess the ability to present, convey and record information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

2. Must possess the ability to delegate job duties and tasks to Department employees.

3. Must possess the ability to satisfactorily interact with the public.

4. Must be able to sit for long periods of time throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of walking and standing.

5. Occasional periods of stooping, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job functions.

6. Dexterity requirements range from fine manipulation of fingers/hands to simple movements of feet/legs/torso as necessary to carry out essential job duties.

7. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of up to 25 pounds.

8. Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate in a moderately stressful environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

A. EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Juris Doctorate Degree required with focus on criminal law and active license in good standing to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

B*. WORK EXPERIENCE:*

Preferred – 1-2 years’ experience in litigation environment that provides exposure with judicial or administrative hearings of any type.

C. BACKGROUND:

All candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check which satisfies both the County requirements and those of the Office of the Public Defender. Candidates must possess character and ethical standards commensurate with professional County employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Must be able to read, write, and speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instruction.

2. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.

3. Must possess the ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with the public, co-workers and others.

4. Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to public and Department information and records.

5. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment with accuracy and reasonable speed.

6. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

7. Must possess basic knowledge of legal terminology and criminal law proceedings.

8. Must possess knowledge of accepted office practices and procedures.

9. Must possess the ability to supervise others, delegate tasks and provide daily direction to co-workers.

10. Must possess the ability to maintain records and files accurately and in an organized fashion.

11. Must possess the ability to perform math calculations that relate to data and records.

12. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Drivers’ License.

Pay: From $67,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $67,800