Assistant County Attorney III - Department of Human Services

Compensation Range$102,960.00 - $130,416.00

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Job Description SummaryAs an Assistant County Attorney, you will serve as legal advisor to the Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS). You will provide legal services, advice, and representation to WCDHS and ensure WCDHS is properly represented in all legal proceedings. You will advise WCDHS staff on legal aspects of casework pertaining to dependency and neglect cases, juvenile delinquency cases, court ordered investigations, and any other needs. You will assist staff in making case decisions consistent with the Children’s Code, Colorado Code of Regulations, and other applicable authority. You will prepare staff for litigation and handle all case needs through case closure.

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Job Description

• Provide legal services to WCDHS in the areas of dependency and neglect and juvenile delinquency law, which may also include work with child support, adult protection, legislation, and appellate advocacy. Provide other legal or administrative services as requested by the County Attorney and/or Managing Assistant County Attorney, Human Services Division.

• Provide legal support in areas including case filing decisions, placement and custody decisions, necessary services for families, and permanency options in the best interest of children.

• Conduct legal research, organize trial and hearing preparation, draft legal documents, prepare litigation, and represent the WCDHS in all legal proceedings.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local statutes and ordinances, to include research and interpretation of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Colorado Children’s Code, Colorado Code of Regulations, and portions of the Probate and Social Services Code, or other authority, that pertain to the same.

• Attend meetings and trainings with WCDHS staff to coordinate legal services and policies with client.

• Attend meetings with 19th Judicial District Court Staff to ensure best local practices and facilitate collaborative efforts with professionals in the dependency and neglect and juvenile delinquency law.

• Collaborate with counsel representing parents, children, youth, at-risk adults, and other parties to identify family needs, litigation issues, and work towards resolution through mediation, negotiation, stipulation, and/or trial.

• Maintain a satisfactory working relationship with the client, court staff, opposing counsel, all fellow employees, and any others with whom contact is had in this professional capacity.

• Other duties may be assigned.

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Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Colorado Law License and in good standing with the Colorado Bar.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a practicing attorney. Prior experience in dependency and neglect law, juvenile law, or commensurate experience preferred.
• Prior trial experience specifically including application of the Colorado Rules of Evidence, trial advocacy, discovery procedures, and strong legal research and writing skills.
• Knowledge of the Colorado Children’s Code, Rules of Civil Procedure, and Colorado Code of Regulations, and additional authority pertaining to the same.
• Sufficient knowledge of social work, and medical psychiatric, and psychological needs and treatment of children involved in the juvenile court system.
• Sufficient computer skills to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with the client, fellow employees, opposing counsel, and the court.
• Ability to manage high volume court divisions and complex legal issues, to work quickly and efficiently, and work independently with minimal supervision or direction.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

Additional Requirements

• Duties are performed in an office, remote, and/or court environment. Some travel may be required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. Occasionally, the employee may be required to lift heavy files or objects and must have an ability to travel to and from the courthouse with necessary computer equipment and preparation documents/files.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus when using a computer or reading.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The described physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

As an at will employee, you serve at the will and pleasure of the Weld County Attorney.

This position is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore ineligible for overtime pay.

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Weld County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.