Assistant County Attorney I – Human Services

Pueblo County • Pueblo, CO

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

Performs professional entry-level legal work assisting the County Attorney in a variety of less difficult assigned legal matters regarding the statutory and constitutional duties of the county, including representing, advising and counseling county officials, departments, and boards regarding such duties. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill multiple positions with the County Attorney's Office.

Requirements

• Law degree from an accredited law school required.
• No experience required.
• Licensed to practice law in Colorado currently or within six months from date of hire required.
• Must successfully pass background check

Responsibilities

• Represents the County in frequently recurring entry-level administrative and judicial-related proceedings and advises County personnel on recommendations or required courses of action as they relate 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 in a wide variety of frequent and substantive Colorado Children’s Code and/or Human Services issues as needed.
• Provides advice and counsel to county officials, departments, and boards regarding statutory and constitutional duties and policy matters as they relate to the Colorado Children’s Code and/or the Department of Human Services.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, agreements and memorandums of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, and other documents to ensure procedural sufficiency.
• Reviews, researches, and drafts resolutions, county policies, county ordinances, and legal opinions for elected officials, departments, and boards as they relate to the Department of Human Services, as assigned.
• Coordinates and monitors the work of attorneys on contract with the county involving litigation and general representation of the Department of Human Services in areas assigned.
• Monitors changes in statutory, case law, and constitutional duties of the Department of Human Services.
• Prioritizes and determines the specific projects and work activities to be performed and works independently through the completion of the project.
• 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 in achieving goals.
• Guides and directs office projects making economical use of available resources; maintains effective coordination of the project through completion and reviews employees’ work for effectiveness in meeting goals, standards, and schedules.
• Reports delays and problems promptly and takes appropriate actions to maintain effective coordination of the activity.
• Communicates project goals to staff through actions of spoken and written words.
• Interacts effectively with individuals and groups at all levels; keeps all interested and involved parties informed of the matters requiring their attention.
• Provides courtroom coverage for other attorneys as needed.
• Performs legal work acting as an attorney representing the Department of Human Services (DHS) in matters concerning Dependency and Neglect, Delinquency, Truancy, Family First Prevention Services Act, and other matters related to DHS child protection services.
• Represents the State of Colorado or Department of Human Services in court proceedings, including jury trials, court trials, court hearings, and/or administrative hearings and court and administrative appeals.
• Meets with caseworkers, legal technicians, and supervisors to prepare cases for trial and appeal and develop legal framework 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 including Dependency and Neglect matters.
• 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 and other 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.

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)
• 4-week Paid Parental Leave Benefit

What This Job Offers

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