Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Prosecuting Attorney 350 Orondo Ave Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Salary (DOE):

PW26, Steps 2-4, $7,884.01 – $8,646.79 monthly (Longevity Steps 5-8, $9,057.02 - $10,414.92 monthly),

OR

PW29, Steps 2-4, $9,221.89 – $10,121.80 monthly (Longevity Steps 5-8, $10,605.77 - $12,207.79 monthly) 

Benefits: Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) retirement program, with an optional deferred compensation program. Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, plus County contributions to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees receive up to 11 paid holidays annually, additional floating holidays as provided by the applicable collective bargaining agreement, and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave.

SUMMARY

The Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney represents the State of Washington in Chelan County courts and in state appellate courts, under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, in criminal cases including hearings, trials, and appeals.  This position involves both litigation and courtroom representation, and office practice including advice, analysis and the drafting and review of documents.  This position is full-time, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm daily, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and litigates jury trials or bench trials as appropriate; selects juries if applicable; may handle appellate matters arising from such trials or hearings, including appellate brief preparation and argument.
• Reviews referred cases for charging and legal sufficiency and determines appropriate charges to be filed.  Communicates with law enforcement field officers and supervisors to ensure thorough investigation and legal compliance.  Provides legal advice to officers and supervisors concerning statutory and constitutional issues.  Manages an active case load and handles pretrial hearings such as preliminary appearances, omnibus hearings, bail hearings, suppression and confession hearings, pleas and sentencings.
• Presents and conducts courtroom proceedings as necessary for the hearing of assigned cases.  Determines strategy, including organization, timing and order of evidence presentation and related matters.  Ensures Prosecuting Attorney and other concerned parties are informed of case progress and direction.  Coordinates with Victim/Witness staff to arrange for the timely appearance of witnesses.
• Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda and legal briefs in connection with assigned cases and for other attorneys, as required.  Communicates regularly with state and local law enforcement agencies, probation offices, District Court, Superior Court, and state toxicology laboratories.
• Fully comply with the ethical rules and guidelines for attorneys as established by the Washington State Supreme Court.  Projects a professional image.
• Attend and successfully complete training as directed by the Prosecuting Attorney or Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor, and engage in regular review to maintain a current knowledge of applicable case law and legislative enactments.
• Work under daily supervision of the Prosecuting Attorney or Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor.
• Must be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled work; daily attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Requires a full knowledge of criminal law and related Washington statutes.
• Must successfully pass a background check investigation.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Must pass Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) access training.
• Computer keyboard proficiency.
• English language proficiency, both oral and written.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to successfully perform responsible and complex work assignments using independent judgment and personal initiative without direct daily supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Must be courteous, polite, a team player, and strive to set a positive example.

• Learn to use and proficiently operate office and courtroom technology such as computers, copiers, camera projectors, scanners and various computer software programs and applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and electronic document management systems; ability to learn and use new software programs as necessary.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to proficiently read and write English.  Ability to read and comprehend legal documents and instruments, correspondence, and memos.  Ability to use good customer service and telephone skills in stressful situations.  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 in and out of court.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

Work involves tasks that may require routine ergonomic practices, including computer keyboarding skills and writing.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Talk, hear, and see.
• Tolerate prolonged computer-related exposure.
• Ability to sit/stand at a workstation for long periods of time.
• Walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and grasp.
• Reach upward and/or outward using arms and hands.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a fast-paced office setting with frequent interruptions and the need to deal with a widely diverse population.
• Noise level is usually moderate.
• May view and/or read sensitive, explicit, and graphic material.
• Often exposed to individuals exhibiting antisocial behavior, mentally unstable individuals, those grieving the loss of a loved one, or those experiencing trauma from domestic violence or other abuse.
• Able to work in the midst of an antagonistic work environment due to the subject matter and urgency of demands.
• May require travel for training purposes.
• Need to observe and abide by all county and departmental policies, goals, and objectives.