Deputy State's Attorney - Civil

Position Description

Civil Department: The Civil Department of the State’s Attorney’s Office is divided into the Civil, Juvenile, and Abuse and Neglect divisions.

Position Objective: The role of a deputy state’s attorney working in the Civil Department varies depending upon the division(s) an attorney is assigned to as noted below. The duties of a deputy state’s attorney in the Civil Department are directly related to the general operations of the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office.

This position’s duties are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County State’s Attorney office.

Position Functions

Essential Functions

Civil Division:

• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Attend county government meetings, court, and administrative proceedings, and provide legal representation to the County Commission, Planning Commission, and the appointed and elected officials who manage and operate the various offices and departments within Pennington County Government.
• Prepare witnesses and present evidence at all required administrative hearings, court hearings, and trials.
• Communicate with citizens and other interested parties on matters relevant to county government functions.
• Work and consult with federal, state, local and tribal agencies on matters involving county business.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with all county policies and procedures.
  
  

Juvenile Division:

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make charging decisions.
• Represent the State of South Dakota and present evidence at all required hearings and trials before the Court involving juvenile offenders.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Abide by all victims’ rights and assist victims through the Juvenile Justice System.
• Meet with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Prepare law enforcement officers, witnesses, and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, Juvenile Services Center, Department of Corrections and Court Services.
• Work cooperatively with the Juvenile Diversion Program of the State’s Attorney’s Office.
  
  

Abuse and Neglect Division:

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make charging decisions.
• Represent the State of South Dakota and present evidence at all required hearings and trials before the Court involving abuse and neglect proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Abide by all victims’ rights and assist victims through the judicial system.
• Meet with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Prepare law enforcement officers, witnesses, and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Represents the Department of Social Services in all stages of litigation in civil proceedings against parents and guardians accused of abusing or neglecting their children.
• Work cooperatively with the Department of Social Services, tribal representatives, children’s counsel, CASA, and others involved in abuse and neglect proceedings.
  
  

Qualifications

Education And/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school.
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.
  
  

Additional Information

Working Environment

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Extra hours may be required to complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Some travel may be required for training, meetings, and court/administrative hearings.
  
  

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health – Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.

Dental – Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.

Prescription – The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.

Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance

Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Employee Assistance Program

Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.

Retirement Plan

Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.

Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.

Supplemental Insurance

AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.

Paid Time Off

Vacation – Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.

Sick Leave – Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.

Holidays – Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.

All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.

This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.