ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Position Available In Newton, Georgia

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER 4.4 4.4

out of 5 stars Covington, GA

NEWTON COUNTY, GEORGIA

Classification Specification

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

(9007)

FLSA:

Exempt Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to represent indigent clients as assigned.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Manages assigned caseload:

receives and reviews calendars; attends scheduled court appearances; leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned court team members; confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding case strength, case priorities, and case strategies; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; creates, enters, and logs case-related data, notes and activities; and coordinates court activities with court administration, victims, witnesses, experts and others. Conducts initial case evaluations as assigned: reviews case file and analyzes the facts and evidence of the case; determines appropriateness of diversion, plea agreement, or going to trial; reviews charges and discovery; and prepares for arraignment. Investigates, analyzes, and prepares assigned cases for hearings and trials: requests and inspects records and evidence; prepares graphics and exhibits; makes investigative requests and follows up on leads; obtains and reviews scientific results and analysis; identifies and interviews witnesses and alibis; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; determines need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; anticipates legal issues; develops case strategies; and presents cases to superiors. Represents the indigent clients at arraignments, preliminary and pre-trial hearings and conferences, probation and sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, alternative and diversion programs, specialty courts, or any related courtroom proceedings: prepares and argues motions and evidence; negotiates and presents plea resolutions; selects juries; prepares and makes opening and closing statements; presents evidence; questions witnesses; and makes bond/sentencing requests. Communicates with and serves as a liaison to clients, families, etc.; provides information and updates regarding Newton County, Georgia Assistant Public Defender case status; makes appropriate referrals; and explains and advises regarding the investigative and judicial process. Conducts research and documentation for assigned cases: researches relevant case law and interprets in relation to the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or defense strategies used in other cases; prepares briefs and motions and responses to same; writes case summaries; and makes trial notes. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge in appropriate legal fields; attends conferences, seminars, meetings and training events relevant to area of expertise; keeps abreast of legal changes; and participates in professional organizations. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards or retains, as appropriate, various forms, reports, correspondence, police reports, criminal histories, medical records, crime lab reports, motions, indictments, court orders, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing ) word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, court officials and staff, clients, victims, witnesses, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctor Degree required; supplemented by three years of experience practicing law, to include court room experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess and maintain certification and licensure from the Georgia Bar Association.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities :

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all County or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization :

Requires the ability to coordinate, manage, and/or correlate data. Includes exercising judgment in determining time, place and/or sequence of operations, referencing data analyses to determine necessity for revision of organizational components, and in the formulation of operational strategy. ©

Archer Company Newton County, Georgia Assistant Public Defender Human Interaction :

Requires the ability to apply principles of negotiation. Performs such in formal situations within the context of legal guidelines.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization :

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude :

Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.

Mathematical Aptitude :

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning:

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or synthesis functions; to deal with several concrete and abstract variables; and to analyze major problems that require complex planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units.

Situational Reasoning :

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability :

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements :

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, taste, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors :

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to such adverse environmental conditions as violence, disease, or rude/irate clients. Newton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. © Archer Company