Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Misdemeanor

Houston, United States

Position Description

Position Description:

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office (PDO) has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the misdemeanor section of the Mental Health Division. The PDO provides holistic, client-centered representation to individuals charged with offenses in Harris County. Attorneys in the misdemeanor section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness or intellectual/developmental disorder, or both, who are charged with offenses in the county criminal courts at law. The ideal candidate will have some personal or professional experience interacting with this population, although it is not required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda, and other pleadings in assigned cases.
Collaborates with support staff and investigators to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop a strong defense.
Develops a facility with civil and criminal statutes related to mental health and intellectual disability.
Maintains regular communications with clients, witnesses and opposing counsel, including frequent visits to the jail to ensure clients are informed and supported
Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge to disposition. Examines witnesses, presents legal arguments and evidence, conducts pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations.
Fosters a respectful, team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, and court personnel, and supports co-workers as needed.
Participates in training and professional development opportunities both within and outside the office.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of the office.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

Education:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law

Licensure:

Current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
Member of and in good standing with the Texas State Bar.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Good written and oral communication skills.
Effective organizational and time management skills.
The ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned from the courts.
The ability to work in a team environment.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Personal or professional experience working with people who have mental illness or IDD.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Regular Full-time
Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Weekend hours as needed

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave*
Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule*
METRO RideSponsor Program*

Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

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