Deputy Public Defender I

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will remain open until filled.

SALARY: $93,310.88 - $112,378.24 Annually (Bilingual allowance when applicable)

We are accepting applications to fill two (2) full-time Deputy Public Defender I positions; one located in Santa Barbara and one located in Santa Maria, for the Public Defender's Office.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies.

The Public Defender's Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be transferred to all locations depending on the needs of the Department.

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S MISSION: The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office represents people living in poverty and who have been traditionally marginalized from a holistic and client-centered perspective. We stand with our clients every day in many courtrooms and now Zoom rooms across Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.

POSITION: Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE will have:

• Experience in the legal field.
• Microsoft Office Excel, Word, and Outlook skills.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public.
• The ability to effectively manage multiple situations occurring simultaneously.
• Exceptional organization skills and ability to work efficiently on multiple projects at one time.
• The ability to prepare and write clear and concise motions, and keep records organized accordingly.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities.
• Adaptability, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character.
• Calm demeanor under all circumstances.
• The ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines.
• The ability to multi-task, handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations and difficult people with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills which includes the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise and organized manner to diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities.
• The ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions and assist others as necessary.
• The ability to tackle complex legal issues using sound judgment, legal research, investigative practices and analytical skills.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Bilingual skills in English & Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable, but not a requirement. Note: The hiring department will test you on your fluency.

Examples of Duties:

1. Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.
2. Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.
3. Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears with and for clients in court hearings, makes appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts.
4. Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.

Employment Standards:

Active membership in the State Bar of California AND possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License; AND not less than:

• Completion of the core courses required for a law degree; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license.

Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and their application; legal research methods; the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions; California civil and criminal codes; the U.S. and California Constitutions; rules of evidence, trial procedures; administrative law; ethical and professional rules of conduct; negotiating techniques.

Ability to: perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles and precedents, facts, and evidence to legal problems; present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively, in both written and oral format; work cooperatively with and represent persons from a wide variety of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; work effectively with others, often under stressful conditions; manage a caseload; interview witnesses; negotiate settlements; present and conduct trials; understand and apply policies and practices.

Desirable Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment lists.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and auto-scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this position (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at

Contact: Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II -