General Position Summary:

This is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) position under the elected Prosecuting Attorney. The summary for this opening would provide professional legal services for the County on primarily child support cases representing the interests of the Division of Child Support for the State of Washington (DCS), which is under contract with the County and Prosecuting Attorney. Assist the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO) on other, incidental legal matters and services as assigned to support the Office and the services it provides. More experienced DPAs are involved with the more complex cases and serve in litigation or assist the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with such cases; also may assist less experienced PAO attorneys.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance 
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (for child support functions within the office):

1. Ensures that case files that are docketed for court are prepared for the court hearing by reviewing the appropriate documents and case information within established timeframes.
2. Calculates child support and arrearages and other financial adjustments.
3. Prepares and presents cases, and the necessary legal and/or administrative documents for presentation in court.
4. Accesses and protects confidential State system data, including state system(s) that provide information on employment, birth verification, Social Security information, and appropriate internet resources to obtain relevant case information.
5. Records in the automated and/or hard copy case file necessary information related to the establishment and/or enforcement of a child support obligation.
6. Completes court follow-up such as discovery, subpoenas, and motions within required time frames.
7. Maintains confidentiality and security of case information.
8. Perform legal research and prepares written and oral opinions on various legal issues.
9. Provide work guidance to paralegals, secretaries and other support staff.
10. Stay abreast of new trends, law changes and other developments in the support enforcement and other-duty legal fields.
11. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Make recommendations to improve processes and office efficiency and services.
12. Attend assigned local and state conferences and meetings on behalf of the PAO and in furtherance of essential duties and responsibilities, as well as attending community and business group meetings and activities.
13. Participate in training reserves. Give lectures and make presentations on legal issues such as support enforcement procedures and legal/court procedures, as assigned/approved by the PA or Chief Deputy.
14. Perform other duties or projects as assigned by the PA or Chief Deputy such as assist or cover/back-up for other Deputies in Child Support and other divisions of the office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (for other functions with the office): 

1.  Advise on Public Records Requests (PRR’s) for County officials and departments.
2. Respond to public records requests received by the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Office.
3. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Law degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Admission to Washington State Bar Association.
3. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
4. Knowledge of legal rules, protocols and systems.

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Prior experience in family law and/or child support enforcement cases.
2. Able to effectively present information and recommendations in oral and written form and at a professional level. Strong public speaking skills.
3. Able to develop trial strategy, prepare evidence for admissibility and introduce it in the most eloquent manner.
4. Work effectively in a demanding and public oriented environment.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills. Establish and maintain effective working relations with other department heads and managers, elected officials, administrative staff, employees, other government agencies, business contacts for the County, and the general public.
6. Able to handle the stress of high workload and deadlines, and exposure to sensitive or unpleasant information/evidence.
7. Maintain leadership and exercise self-restraint and composure during stressful and demanding situations.
8. Excellent research skills. Able to analyze data and arrive at conclusions; then develop a strategic plan of action.
9. Represent the PAO in an accurate and professional manner, without jeopardizing office efficiency and protocols.
10. Promptly learn PAO procedures and protocols, and abide by them at all times, as well as legal ethical standards.
11. Exercise judgment and discretion and due care regarding sensitive, confidential information and case matters.