Audit & Oversight Counsel- Central Office/Augusta - Public Service Manager II

Maine Commission on Public Defense Services 

Audit & Oversight Counsel - Central Office/Augusta - Public Service Manager II

Opening Date: January 6, 2025

Job Class Code: MA32
Grade: 32
Salary: $77,896.00 – $110,073.60/Annually 
Position Number: 146000020

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill the Audit & Oversight Counsel position in its central office location in Augusta. PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide efficient, high-quality representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The ability to telework at times is available. 

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Voucher Review and Records Management
• Reviews and approves attorney vouchers for payment.
• Conducts checks on case file information to ensure the accuracy of non-payment information associated with vouchers submitted for payment;
• Respond to contract counsel inquiries regarding acceptable billing practices, rules compliance, data entry, agency processes, and expedited review requests.
• Record notable case results and errors identified for reporting purposes.
• Rule and Policy Development and Enforcement
• Develop and propose new agency rules and changes to existing agency rules.
• Develop and propose agency policies regarding billing and expense reimbursements.
• Assist in managing the contract counsel annual renewal/registration process including by maintaining the electronic submissions.
• Information Assurance
• Plans, develops, and implements an audit and oversight regime for PDS contracted attorneys and non-counsel vendor providers.
• Performs audits and other billing inquiries of attorney and non-counsel vendor payments and claims for payment.
• Investigate allegations or suspicions of fraudulent billing activity in the assigned counsel billing system before initiating a formal audit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A juris doctor degree from an ABA approved school and either licensure or the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine. The ideal candidate should have 3 to 5 years of criminal defense experience.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.