Assistant County Attorney I, II, or III - Human Services

Pueblo County • Pueblo, CO

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as an Assistant County Attorney specializing in Human Services. The role involves performing legal work at various levels (I, II, or III) to assist the County Attorney. Responsibilities include representing, advising, and counseling county officials, departments, and boards on matters related to statutory and constitutional duties, with a specific focus on the Colorado Children’s Code and the Department of Human Services. The job may be used to fill multiple vacancies at different levels depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Colorado currently or within six months from date of hire
• Minimum of four years of successful legal experience with knowledge in local, state, and federal government law and legislation (ACA II)
• Minimum of five years of successful legal experience with knowledge in local, state and federal government law and legislation (ACA III)
• Experience in a County or City Attorney’s Office (preferred for ACA II and III)
• Knowledge of Children’s Code and proceedings in child protection cases (preferred for ACA II and III)
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver’s License (ACA II)
• Must successfully pass background check

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a County or City Attorney’s Office
• Knowledge of Children’s Code and proceedings in child protection cases

Responsibilities

• Represents the County in administrative and judicial proceedings related to the Colorado Children’s Code and/or the Department of Human Services.
• Represents County officials, departments, and boards in litigation, court matters, administrative hearings, and appellate courts concerning Colorado Children’s Code and/or Human Services issues.
• Provides advice and counsel to county officials, departments, and boards regarding statutory and constitutional duties and policy matters related to the Department of Human Services.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, agreements, memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, and other documents.
• Reviews, researches, and drafts resolutions, county policies, county ordinances, and legal opinions for elected officials, departments, and boards related to the Department of Human Services.
• Coordinates and monitors the work of contract attorneys involved in litigation and representation of the Department of Human Services.
• Monitors changes in statutory, case law, and constitutional duties of the Department of Human Services.
• Prioritizes and determines specific projects and work activities, working independently through project completion.
• Refers matters of county policy, need for additional resources, and questions regarding program objectives to the County Attorney.
• Attends meetings with staff, courtroom personnel, and Judges/Magistrates as needed.
• Helps establish department goals and plans, scheduling, and work standards.
• Guides and directs office projects, making economical use of available resources and maintaining effective coordination.
• Reviews employees’ work for effectiveness in meeting goals, standards, and schedules.
• Reports delays and problems promptly and takes appropriate actions.
• Communicates project goals to staff through spoken and written words.
• Interacts effectively with individuals and groups at all levels, keeping involved parties informed.
• Provides courtroom coverage for other attorneys as needed.
• Performs legal work representing the Department of Human Services (DHS) in matters concerning Dependency and Neglect, Delinquency, Truancy, Family First Prevention Services Act, and other DHS child protection services.
• Represents the State of Colorado or Department of Human Services in court proceedings, including jury trials, court trials, court hearings, administrative hearings, and appeals.
• Meets with caseworkers, legal technicians, and supervisors to prepare cases for trial and appeal and develop legal frameworks for recommended court actions and stipulations.
• Provides advice and training to the DHS Director and supervisors regarding federal and state laws related to DHS responsibilities.
• Advises department employees regarding case preparation, court testimony, and legal issues related to court proceedings.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and supervises the work of social workers, witnesses, paralegals, and technical support personnel.
• Prepares pleadings and other legal documents for court filing.
• Advises the County Attorney in matters related to DHS court actions.
• Acts as liaison between the Department of Human Services and other attorneys and agencies.
• Maintains knowledge of Colorado statutes and court rules, including juvenile and appellate rules, rules of evidence, and rules of ethics.
• Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for the performance of the job.
• Manages office personnel to make the best use of their skills and capabilities (ACA III).
• Recommends selection of employees and assists in the performance evaluation process (ACA III).

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• May be eligible for up to 12-week Paid Parental Leave Benefits (full-time employees)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level