Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - Drug Court - Collaborative Justice Unit

King County (WA)•Seattle, WA

48d•$89,417 - $148,166

About The Position

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Term-Limited) Collaborative Justice Unit - Drug Court - Mainstream Criminal Division King County Courthouse, Seattle and Maleng Regional Courthouse, Kent This position is under the supervision of the Collaborative Justice Unit (CJU) within the mainstream adult criminal division, but reviews and manages criminal cases assigned to other units and divisions. CJU currently includes the following programs: King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC), Regional Mental Health Court (RMHC), Regional Veterans Court (RVC), Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), Familiar Faces/Vital Initiative (FF), Community Diversion Program (CDP), Therapeutic Alternative Diversion (TAD), Survivors FIRST (SF) and other prosecutorial diversion and mitigation projects. This role requires a two-year commitment to working in KCDDC or other collaborative justice programs. After that time, the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) will be able to rotate to other roles within KCPAO. Drug Diversion Court Description: King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) is regarded as a national model among the more than 2,500 therapeutic courts established since its inception in 1994. Using best practice standards, it is designed as a collaborative model with multiple disciplines working together to ensure public safety and participant recovery. It is a voluntary program for adults charged with eligible felony drug charges or related property crimes that are also amenable to treatment and supportive services. It provides a comprehensive set of resources; including inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, mental health treatment and medication access, housing support, employment help and vocational services. Those who complete the program can have a jail or prison sentence significantly reduced or charges dismissed. About the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Guided by our core values of Integrity, Compassion, Professionalism, and Leadership, our mission is to do Justice: We exercise the power given to us by the people with fairness and humility. We serve our diverse community, support victims and families, and hold individuals accountable. We develop innovative and collaborative solutions for King County and the State of Washington. Our office is composed of six divisions that are further organized into specialized units: We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with equity and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

A minimum of two years of experience in criminal law, ideally in handling felony matters.
Strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and manage multiple court calendars, correspondence, and competing duties under varying deadlines.
Ability to provide timely, reliable, and predictable attendance for court hearings and meetings during business hours.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively with co-workers and within a team environment.
Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Ability to analyze, innovate, and problem solve complex legal scenarios.
Commitment to equity and social justice.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Drug Court Team, collaborating with the court, treatment, law enforcement, and defense representatives to support participant recovery while ensuring public safety.
Manage a caseload of 150-200 participants with the support of two full-time paralegals.
Attend and prepare for full-day calendars (Tuesday-Thursday in Seattle) and a half-day calendar (Friday in Kent).
Participate in Monday meetings, regular staffings, and contested review and termination/discharge hearings (bench trials), including drafting briefs, motions, petitions, and presenting witnesses.
Review and file new cases into DDC and engage in ongoing negotiations with defense, colleagues, and other jurisdictions.
Prepare and facilitate meetings, give presentations, and represent the King County Prosecutor's office internally and externally as a Drug Court Prosecutor.
Be available to provide support and coverage for other programs within the Collaborative Justice Unit.

Benefits

Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs