Assistant District Attorney - Juvenile Court

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ABOUT THE OFFICE:

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (NWDAO) serves the people of Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol.  In partnership with the communities it serves, the NWDAO is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, justice, and the protection of the public through fair and effective prosecutions and progressive prevention initiatives. Although the primary responsibility of the Office is prosecuting crime, we also have a strong focus on progressive education and prevention efforts in the areas of domestic & sexual violence, child abuse, juvenile justice, elders and persons with disabilities, and consumer protection. We are the law office of the People and are steadfast guardians of the rights and liberties of every citizen.  We advocate for making our communities safer and stronger, while protecting civil rights and promoting social and racial justice.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Perform all of the legal duties and functions related to the investigation and prosecution of delinquency and youthful offender matters in the Juvenile Court and G.L. c. 119, § 72A Transfer Hearing cases in the District and Superior Courts;

·       Review 51A reports, police reports, attend forensic interviews, work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, and attend case review meetings;

·       Handle the arraignment session and pre-trial conference session of the Juvenile Court, which includes conferring with victim witness advocates, the Department of Youth Services, defense counsel, court liaison officers and probation officers, referring cases to the Juvenile Diversion Program, filing appropriate motions and bail requests, ensuring all discovery is received and provided, and preparing required NWDA forms;

·       Collaborate with the Court Clinic in recommending appropriate juveniles for Risk Assessments, G.L. c. 119, § 68A Court Clinic evaluations and Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings;

·       Obtain background information from providers and community members to make informed decisions for bail requests and conditions of release, treatment, probation and other court-related dispositions;

·       Investigate, review and recommend serious felonies for presentment to grand jury for indictment as youthful offender prosecutions under G.L. c. 119, § 54, and handle the grand jury presentation and prosecution of approved youthful offender cases; 

·       File and litigate motions for modification/revocation of bail/conditions of release when appropriate and handle violation of probation hearings;

·       Conduct motion hearings, and bench and jury trials;

·       Participate in community outreach programs as assigned by the Chief of Juvenile Justice and Deputy District Attorney, including Community-Based Juvenile Justice (CBJJ) meetings with participating school districts, Safe School Response Team (SSRT) meetings, and internal and external trainings;

·       Attend conferences and trainings which inform the work of the Juvenile Justice Unit including adolescent social/emotional development, safe and healthy school concerns, social media, healthy relationships, sexually problematic behavior, digital evidence, and substance use disorders;

·       Provide coverage and assistance on a regular basis to the District Court, including handling arraignments, pre-trial matters, motions, and trials, on a schedule determined by the Chief of the Juvenile Justice Unit and the Chief of the District Court;

·       Work collaboratively with other NWDAO units;

·       Follow all unit and office policies and protocols; and

·       Perform miscellaneous other tasks as assigned by the District Attorney, Deputy District Attorney or Chief of the Juvenile Justice Unit.       

SALARY\:  $75,000 - $95,000 annually  

BENEFITS:

The NWDAO is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. 

The overall benefits available include Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave Time; Health, Dental and Vision Insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Commission; and a pre-tax Health Savings Account optional plan. In addition, the NWDAO provides employees the opportunity to elect Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Deferred Compensation Savings, Tuition Remission, along with other programs.

 NWDAO employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from state service. 

The NWDAO provides the ability for new full-time employees to accrue two weeks of paid vacation leave per year, up to five personal days of leave per year (depending upon the quarter of the year that one’s employment begins), twelve recognized state / federal paid holidays, and the opportunity to accrue up to 9.375 hours of paid sick leave per month. 

This position is one which is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office is committed to cultivating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated and all employees feel valued, respected, and engaged. We strive to have a staff diverse in culture, background, and perspective.  We afford equal opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected class. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.  In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that staff can bring to our District Attorney office.

 TO APPLY:

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and Employment Application Form (form located under the “Employment & Internships” tab at www.northwesternda.org) to martha.murphy.kane@mass.gov.  Candidates are encouraged to visit the NWDAO website at www.northwesternda.org to learn more about the work of the office.

Massachusetts Licensed Attorney.  Three years experience as a prosecutor and familiarity with Juvenile Court. Candidate must possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the core functions of the position. Ability to collaborate and communicate among multiple agencies on time-sensitive investigations. Familiarity with the use of search warrants, subpoenas, and other legal mechanisms to obtain documents, digital evidence, and other forms of evidence germane to criminal investigations. Strong analytical, organizational, time management, writing and trial advocacy skills are essential. The candidate must be able to work effectively in emotionally charged situations with victims and witnesses and parents/guardians concerned with juveniles’ placement, best interests and future. This position also requires an individual who is able to work collaboratively with others and who is highly motivated to work in the public interest.

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