Assistant County Attorney - Civil/Juvenile/Human Services

DESCRIPTION

SALARY RANGE
Assistant County Attorney I $50.23 - $70.37 Hourly
Assistant County Attorney II $56.97 - $79.82 Hourly
Placement on salary schedule dependent upon qualifications.

DESCRIPTION:
This position supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office in the promotion of justice and public safety through fair, effective, and efficient prosecuting of crime; to protect the children, families, and vulnerable in need; and to provide quality legal representation for Blue Earth County. Serving at the pleasure of and under the general supervision of the County Attorney, this position will assist in providing legal services and representing the County in a wide variety of civil, juvenile, and human services matters. Minnesota law specifies that an assistant county attorney has the same duties as the county attorney. This position may entail any and/or all of the statutory duties of the County Attorney's Office as assigned. The secondary area of practice will concentrate on criminal prosecution.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs County Attorney duties. Pursuant to M.S.388.10, each Assistant County Attorney shall have the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities as the County Attorney.
• Practices law and performs statutory duties and tasks as assigned by the County Attorney in a professional manner in keeping with the high expectations bestowed upon them with a public office.
• Drafts basic and moderately complex contracts, memoranda, ordinances, conveyances, agreements, resolutions, legislation, and other documents which establish legal rights of Blue Earth County.
• Confers with and, under supervision, advises County and other officers, departments, employees and representatives on litigation and legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, liabilities, and obligations.
• Advises County Departments and law enforcement. Reviews requests for advice from county departments, or law enforcement agencies. Researches statutes, administrative rules, and court cases to determine appropriate response. Consults with supervisors regarding appropriate advice or alternatives. Prepares memorandums with supporting documentation to advise agency or respond orally, documenting response. Participates in meetings with Human Service staff. Provides training to county regarding law and procedures.
• Prepares cases for court. Researches relevant legal issues. Reviews reports, exhibits and other evidence. Meets with witnesses to review testimony. Prepares legal memoranda and exhibits. Prepares oral arguments. Outlines and organizes the order of witnesses and evidence to be presented. Determines relevance of evidence or testimony. Evaluates strengths or weaknesses of witnesses' presentation.
• Appears in court. Transports, organizes, and sets up files, exhibits, etc. Meets with counsel and presiding officer to discuss unresolved issues and court procedures. Appears for pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate court proceedings. Conducts jury selection, delivers opening statements, conducts direct and cross-examination of witnesses and presents closing arguments. Offers exhibits, documents, real evidence, etc. into evidence. Makes appropriate and timely objections.
• Reviews police and social worker reports. Reviews delinquency, paternity, commitment, guardianship, and conservatorship referrals. Determines appropriate legal action. Drafts petitions, complaints, and other appropriate pleadings, including Children in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS) petitions, paternities and non-support petitions, commitment petitions, welfare fraud complaints, and juvenile petitions. Reviews and approves juvenile citations, child support pleadings for expedited child support process. Determines if jurisdiction and probable cause exists for requested action. Determines level, type of charges appropriate, essential witnesses, physical evidence and refers to other agencies as needed. Drafts appellate documents.
• Administers all day care and welfare appeals. Reviews referrals of administrative appeals; conducts legal research and prepares appropriate documentation, letter briefs, and formal briefs. Prepares for and attends all related proceedings.
• Decides issues to address, performs legal research and determines relevant case law and statutory construction. Drafts briefs, memoranda, etc., and presents appropriate argument orally. Responds orally to any concerns or questions of the judge.
• Communicates with victims and advocates. Listens to concerns and questions of victim. Decides role of victim regarding the legal situation. Consider victim input regarding the case. Prepares the victim for possible testimony and what to expect. Negotiates settlements as appropriate. Seeks victim input in determining an outcome of cases short of trial. Evaluates strengths and weaknesses of cases in light of evidence. Makes judgments regarding plea options consistent with the interests of justice. Discusses issues with defense attorney and probation agents. Presents and justifies a negotiated plea to the Judge in open court.
• Responds to public inquiry/public education. Determines what information may be released under the Data Practices Act. Determines if said action is within the duties of the County Attorney. Determines if referral to another group is required.
• Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Interacts positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
• Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
• Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

• Evaluates physical evidence. Inspects official records and documents such as photos and statements for authenticity. Interviews parties for chain of events and evaluates strengths and weaknesses of case. Visits sites relevant to case to determine if judge/jury's presence is needed.
• Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Reads appropriate journals and articles. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
• Attends staff and other required meetings.
• Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Assistant County Attorney I
  • Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Minnesota, or admitted within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
• Assistant County Attorney II
  • Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Minnesota, or admitted within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
  • At least five (5) years of experience in civil law, human services, and/or juvenile delinquency

• County Government knowledge and experience
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with the ability to drive in the state of Minnesota.
• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data. Access to non-public data should be strictly limited to what is necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. While accessing these data, the employee should take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related reason. Once the work-related purpose is complete, non-public data must be securely stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

HOURS OF WORK

This position may be hybrid and be performed both on-site at the Blue Earth County Justice Center and remote as job duties permit. Work hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may require additional, evening and weekend hours. The position is eligible for a flexible summer work schedule.