Deputy District Attorney I - Part Time, Limited Duration (Internal Only)

Summary

This position is for current Deschutes County employees only.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The District Attorney’s Office represents the State of Oregon in all criminal cases filed in Deschutes County. Representation includes enforcing the laws of the State of Oregon, protecting the innocent, ensuring the guilty are held accountable, and advocating for victims of crime to be heard and respected in the process. The District Attorney and a team of Deputy District Attorneys are responsible for evaluating the investigative reports submitted by local, state and federal agencies and determining whether justice and public safety require prosecution. If the Office initiates prosecution, the attorneys are then responsible for presenting evidence to and advising the Grand Jury, and representing the State at every stage of the criminal proceeding in Circuit Court thereafter. The Office can also decide to defer certain cases out of the traditional criminal justice system into alternative diversion programs that maintain community safety and improve offender and victim outcomes. The mission of the DA’s Office is to ensure justice and community safety.

The Justice Reinvestment Program (JRP) Deputy District Attorney (DDA) will serve as a critical member of the Deschutes County’s JRP team. The goal of the JRP initiative is to assess individuals and provide a continuum of community-based sanctions, services, and programs to reduce recidivism and state prison usage, while maintaining public safety and accountability.

The JRP DDA position is responsible for the legal review of cases for downward departure sentencing. The DDA will identify and analyze criminal cases of individuals potentially eligible for Downward Departure release, and request Defendant Assessment Reports as need to guide plea negotiations and to develop sentencing recommendations for the Court to offer downward departure and JRP supervision. The JRP DDA will review, monitor, and track these cases to determine continued program eligibility, and will work with other DDA’s to ensure continuity and equity of individuals referred to the program. The DDA will serve as the DA Office program liaison working closely with Parole and Probation, law enforcement, Defense and the Courts to support program operations, track data, analyze prison intakes, and directly implementation program operations.

Goals for the EAP PDT:

• Support JRP program goals outcomes.
• Identify and request timely screening of all possible candidates for JRP Downward Departure participation.
• Guiding plea negotiations and developing sentencing recommendations.
• Maintain community safety and justice.
• Support program implementation.
• Track cases and downward departure impacts.

To achieve these goals, the JRP DDA will work in partnership with Parole and Probation, Defense, law enforcement, the Court, and the DA Office. This collaborative inter-disciplinary team implements and tracks the JRP downward departure initiative.

This position is located in Deschutes County and may be eligible for a hybrid of in-office/remote work as allowed by policy and approved by the supervisor.

• Identify, review, monitor, and track all JRP cases to determine eligibility, progression within the program, and review of revocation reports.
• Oversees the daily DA Office program management of the JRP Downward Departure grant operations, working closely with other DDAs and program partners.
• Track and collect statistical information and data on grant performance measures, technology, and policy issues; prepares reports of study conclusions and recommendations.

• Criminal law and the practices and procedures of criminal prosecution, legal research methods, and applicable rules, codes and regulations for area of assignment.
• Principles and techniques for program development and implementation, file record keeping, and data management.
• Operating a personal computer, utilizing standard (Microsoft Office Suite) and specialized software (Zoom, Cognito Forms, Karpel, or similar), and entering information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.

• Interpret and apply legal principles and procedures.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and work with minimum supervision, using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, and agencies at all times.
• Analyzing and handling administrative and operational duties, interpreting policies and regulations, evaluating data and alternatives, and recommending changes based on findings.

• This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

Compensation

$3,709.00 to $4,991.19 per month for an 86.34 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

This is a limited-duration employment position (0.5 FTE/20 hrs per week) as defined by Deschutes County HR Personnel Rules 2.010. The position has identified funding through August 31, 2027. Extending the position beyond August 31, 2027 will depend on a continued business need for the position and approval of additional funding. Should this occur, the County may at a later date extend the position end date or offer regular employment status to the incumbent in this position.

BENEFITS:
Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE (Download PDF reader) for full benefit details.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree required; this serves as an entry level position.

• Knowledge of and belief in the impact of Downward Departure release programs and criminal justice reform.
• Familiarity with Defendant Assessment Report tools such as PSC, LSCMI/WRNA, URICA and TCU.
• Experience with grant reporting and program management.
• Prosecutor with at least three (3) years of experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) and CJIS certification from the State of Oregon are required within six months of hire.

Must pass a pre-qualifying driving record review and criminal history background.

Background Investigation.
A successful candidate will complete a full background investigation prior to receiving a conditional job offer.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click HERE for information.