San Juan County is excited to invite qualified candidates to apply for our Public Defender position. First screening of applications will be held on Monday, May 5th. To be considered with this first group, we recommend submitting your application on or before this date. Position is open until filled.

BASIC FUNCTION: Directs all legal and administrative functions of the Public Defender's Office serving indigent clients. Accountable for the efficient and effective performance of the Department and the preparation of timely and professional service/advice, analyses and reports as a basis for planning, funding and implementation of policy. Responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating the efforts of staff. Works with other agencies and groups to accomplish the work, mission, goals and vision of the Department and the County. Ensures compliance with department/county policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements and legal requirements. Oversees the management of programs and staff in a manner that ensures fulfillment of Department and County missions. Ensures expenditures remain within approved budget. Develops relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside county government that encourages participation, teamwork, effective relationships and use of resources. Performs or effectively recommends hiring, training, evaluating performance, and termination of staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Effective administration of the department such as human resource management, financial management, efficient use of resources, legal compliance and timely execution of duties and roles performed by the Department.
- Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, administrative and legal functions, including performing all defense duties involving highly complex and sensitive felony criminal cases, and acting as trial council.
- Develops and implements strategic short and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives.
- Facilitates and coordinates cooperative planning in conjunction with other departments and entities.
- Directs activities with available personnel and in compliance with guidelines, procedures and regulations.
- Prepares and justifies department budget. Monitors and maintains expenditures within approved budget. Implements cost effective measures and uses resources and technology effectively to increase productivity.
- Negotiates contracts for services between the Department and outside entities or consultants.
- Assures grant and contract compliance.
- Selects new employees. Determines department training needs to meet changing system or program demands. Establishes performance standards. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent with assigned job description. Conducts and /or reviews performance evaluations to guide the development of employees, provide a record of performance and ensure consistent evaluations throughout the department. Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies. Reviews, revises and authorizes consistent employment actions. Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions. Resolves and documents grievances, works in conjunction with Human Resources concerning grievances and on other sensitive personnel matters.
- On an on-going basis, researches, reviews, interprets and prepares data to analyze and makes recommendations about which programs and /or major project proposals should be initiated, modified or dropped. Sets policy, assesses and assures compliance, and interprets and applies regulations equitably. Assures appropriate policies, procedures and tasks are created and updated. Ensures enforcement of ordinances, state and federal rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
- Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most sensitive or complex inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments and the public in a courteous manner.
- Maintains liaison with administrators, and representatives of the Courts, probation departments, Prosecuting Attorney's/Coroner's Office, Sheriff’s Office, judges, social service agencies, State Criminal Lab, and the Office.
- Represents the County as spokesperson at public meetings.
- Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Requires graduation from an accredited school of law AND six years progressively responsible experience as a practicing criminal defense trial attorney on felony cases, INCLUDING three years management /supervisory experience. Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association OR must be a current member in good standing of another State Bar Association AND must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association by passing the next Washington State Bar exam. Must be qualified under the Washington State Bar Association Indigent Defense Standard’s qualifications to represent clients in “Felony High Murder” cases under Appendix C, Section F, OR if the Washington State Supreme Court has not yet adopted the WSBA Indigent Defense Standards, be qualified under Criminal Rule 3.01 to represent clients under Standard 14.2 B (Class A Felonies).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Required to successfully complete all continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the Washington State Bar Association, which includes 2 hours of ethics credits per year throughout employment.
- Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
- Background check must meet County criteria.
- Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
- Must maintain membership with the Washington Defender Association (WDA) and Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
- The field of public defense sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
- Practices of leadership, management and supervision.
- Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to areas of assignment including the Washington State Criminal Code, Rules of Evidence and Procedure, and the Washington Court Rules and the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Fiscal management including budget preparation, grant administration, service and intergovernmental contract negotiation and administration, expense control and record keeping.
- Computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet, database and other applications specific to the area of assignment
- Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.

Ability:
- Strategically plan, prioritize, coordinate, organize, and evaluate staffing and services. Train, direct, and coach staff. Administer and change plans, policies and work programs.
- Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective teams and a professional relationship and rapport with public officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co- workers, employees and diverse members of the public.
- Apply sound judgment and problem - solving techniques to evaluate operations, to make reasoned, timely and consistent decisions and to facilitate the effective resolution of problems, grievances and complaints.
- Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including prepare and make public presentations that can be understood by non - technical listeners and prepare comprehensive written reports, materials and correspondence.
- Effectively promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter - departmental customer service.
- Assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is handled appropriately.
- Provide leadership and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity and honesty.
- Work effectively in a multitasking environment, effectively delegate responsibility and authority, and respond to and reconcile competing interests.
- Read, understand, interpret, analyze and provide direction to assure appropriate application of policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations.
- Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective and consistent feedback and evaluation.
- Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs.
- Monitor and interpret fiscal and statistical information.
- Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes.
- Maintain current knowledge and adapt to new technologies, keeping personal and team technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
- Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Work requires continuous sitting and operation of a computer including keyboard and mouse operation
- Frequent standing and walking
- Involves talking and hearing in person and on the phone
- Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to differentiate colors and read computer monitor.
- Deals with customer stress and deadlines, which may require overtime, flexibility of time
- This position requires attention to detail and communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in an office or meeting setting; appears in court, interviews clients in the jail and hospital, investigates crime scenes, and interviews witnesses at a variety of locations. Sits or stands for long periods of time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds. Attends meetings or performs duties outside of normal office hours and works extended hours during trials. Moves throughout the County's facilities. Frequently drives motor vehicle to perform duties in the field, at other sites or travel out of the County. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language and physical harm from violent and /or verbally abusive clients. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established safety policies, practices and procedures.