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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDeputy Prosecuting Attorney - Civil IPosition: Department: FLSA: Union: Annual Hours Worked: Exempt Salary Grade: Employee Status: Adopted: Approved By: JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY I - CIVIL Prosecuting Attorney Exempt Professional Exempt 2080 18 AT WILL per RCW 36.27.040 August 1, 2021 Human Resources Manager 1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE 1.1 The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I - Civil position handles a combination civil and child support enforcement caseload and is responsible for accomplishing those legal assignments delegated by the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, including legal opinions, analysis of legal principles, while maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct. 2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED 2.1 Persons in this position are given discretion, within the scope of policy and regulation, as established by the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and the County, in the performance of their duties. Policy direction is received from the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, who in turn receives policy direction from the Prosecuting Attorney. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I — Civil position is not expected to be able to handle complex assignments or difficult litigation without the day-to-day supervision of the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. 3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED 3.1 This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 4.0 SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include but are not limited to the following. 4.1 Prepares the defense or prosecution of civil and child support enforcement matters as appropriate to ensure the exercise of the County's or State's lawful rights, including performing extensive legal research, drafting documents, preparing arguments, attending motion and trial hearings, interviewing of witnesses preparing civil complaints in District or Superior Court in order to present the case of Jefferson County and the State of Washington. 4.3 Provides legal advice, assists in and participates with County personnel in civil and administrative cases. 4.4 Works with opposing counsel to develop negotiated civil or administrative settlements that are in the best interest of the citizens of Jefferson County. 4.5 Provides legal education to County personnel in civil matters. 4.6 Acts as Deputy Coroner, conducting death investigations as required by statute. Jefferson County Job Description: Prosecuting Attorney — Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I — Civil Page 2 4.8 Complies with confidentiality requirements of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), including RPC 1 6, RPC 3.6, and RPC 3_8. RPC 1_6 prohibits disclosure to any person outside of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) of information obtained from clients, except under limited circumstances that only the Prosecuting Attorney can approve. For purposes of this job description, "clients" are the County and its employees, and the Port Townsend Police Department and its employees. RPC 3_6 prohibits employees of the PAO from having any communication outside of the PAO about the investigation or communication of a matter being handled by the PAO, except in limited circumstances that only the Prosecuting Attorney can approve. RPC 3.8 discusses the special responsibility of prosecutors in the justice system and prohibits employees of the PAO from having any communication outside of the PAO that could have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused in a criminal case. 4.9 Performs other duties as assigned or required by the Prosecuting Attorney or the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. 5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SHILLS AND ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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 the essential functions. 5.1 Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Courts. 5.2 Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 5.3 Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 6.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 6.1 Zero (0) to two (2) years prior civil or juvenile trial experience required 6.2 Must be admitted to practice by the Washington State Bar and be admitted or be able to be admitted to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. Must complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing legal education every three (3) years and maintain a valid license to practice law in the State of Washington. 6.3 Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. 7.0 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES 7.1 Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or admission to the Washington State Bar via APR 6 Law Clerk program. Jefferson County Job Description: Prosecuting Attorney — Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I — Civil Page 3 7.2 Ability to perform independent legal research, identify and analyze legal issues. 7.3 Knowledge of rules of evidence and court proceedings and ability to properly apply such knowledge. 7.4 Ability to effectively and convincingly argue or present legal points in the interest of the State of Washington and Jefferson County. 7.5 Ability to understand unorganized facts and to order them in an understandable, organized manner. 7.6 Ability to evaluate prospective jurors and select a jury panel. 7.7 Ability to remain calm and organized in stressful situations or when dealing with people experiencing stressful situations 7.8 Ability to explain reasons for events or actions/non-actions to unreceptive or emotionally involved listeners and to maintain the prestige and integrity of the office. 7.9 Ability to make decisions that will affect the lives and property of individuals. 7.10 Ability to focus on the detail necessary to ensure proper notice to witnesses, public, court officials, and law enforcement personnel in a timely manner, with adequate explanation and instructions. 8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 8.1 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. 8.2 The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 8.3 The noise level in the work environment has moderate noise. 9.0 CAREER LADDER POSITION This position is the entry level position in the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - Civil career ladder. The next position is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II - Civil. Advancement from Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I - Civil to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II - Civil within the career ladder, requires completion of all requirements for Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I1- Civil and a positive recommendation from the Prosecuting Attorney. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.