ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY I - DHS

**ALL Applications must be submitted via https://mesacounty.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/Mesa_County to be considered**

Provide legal services to the Mesa County Department of Human Services (“MCDHS”) in all aspects of dependency and neglect cases and appeals, delinquency cases, child support, adult protection, and various administrative matters. Provide legal services related to mental health commitments. Trains and partners with DHS caseworkers. Prosecutes dependency and neglect cases. Represents MCDHS in child support enforcement. Drafts and responds to motions; researches legal issues; analyzes cases; prepares cases for hearing and presents evidence including witness testimony at various hearings which may include but are not limited to, adjudicatory trials and termination of parental rights trials. Researches and prepares appellate briefs for the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. Other assigned duties may include providing legal services to assigned County departments and the Board of Commissioners which may include research, all aspects of litigation, policy review, and general legal advice regarding current issues under consideration by the County.

Provide representation in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting any necessary motions, pleadings and appeals, preparing for and litigating hearings and trials.

Provide representation in all aspects of adult protection cases, mental health commitment cases, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement cases, administrative matters and similar cases as assigned.

Advise County staff on process and procedures relating to subpoenas and discovery requests.

Provide legal advice to DHS as required on a daily basis.

Trains DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code, Dependency and Neglect and Delinquency procedures. Prepares cases for filing and prosecutes Dependency and Neglect cases. Prepares witnesses, exhibits and presents cases to court.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, and other professionals.

Maintain professional competence and training by attending related, ongoing continuing legal education trainings.

Assists County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys as assigned.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctorate and two (2) years legal experience, a preference for litigation experience.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work successfully with caseworkers, public and other members of the child welfare team.

Licenses and Certifications:

Current Colorado License to Practice Law

Supplemental Information:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position primarily consists of work in a typical office and courtroom environment, and may require standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment.

A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

Another factor related to job performance or business operations, such as paying a shift differential to workers on less popular shifts

This position includes is eligible for the Mesa County benefits package which includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Paid Sick Leave & Vacation Leave
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability

_____________________________________________________________

Agency

Mesa County

Address

544 Rood Ave

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Phone

970- 244 - 1856

Website

http://www.mesacounty.us

Ready to be a part of a high-performing, dedicated, passionate organization?

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $7,527.98 - $9,667.97 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person