Assistant County Attorney III - Department of Human Services

$106,059 - $134,347/Yr

Weld County - Greeley, CO

Greeley, CO

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

As 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
• Prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.