The Director is responsible for the administration and operation of Skagit County’s Public Defender Department. The Director is the focal point for Skagit County’s responsibilities pertaining to indigent defense including administration, supervision, training, strategic planning, budgetary, personnel issues, caseload management, ethics, quality control, and daily operations subject to conflict-of-interest limitations. The Director reports to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners through the County Administrator and is expected to work effectively with Skagit County judges, department heads and administrative government officials, and members of the public.

The Director will bring strong management skills and a forward-thinking approach to cultivate a work culture that supports staff and quality customer service. Develop relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside county government that encourages participation, teamwork, effective relationships, and use of resources. Work with other agencies and groups to accomplish the work, mission, goals and vision of the Department and the County. The Director represents Skagit County by maintaining a professional approach and demeanor in all activities.

- Salary upon hire is $70.58 to $75.61 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications.

- Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 (top step is $93.90/hr.). The Director is Range 37 of the Non-Rep salary schedule.

Creates, implements, and oversees the strategic direction and operational management of Skagit County Public Defender Department to be prepared, equipped, trained, exercised, and ready to serve customers. Director ensures operational effectiveness through the establishment and implementation of short and long-range department goals, policies and operating procedures that support and enable learning and discovery, organizational community and care, and economic and environmental sustainability. Anticipates and responds to challenges which may impede effective delivery of strategic objectives, including identifying mechanisms to mitigate risks.

The Director will be expected to:

• Oversee all legal and administrative functions of the Skagit County Department of Public Defense.
• Plan, organize coordinate and direct the operations of the Office of Public Defense in accordance with State and local laws, rules, regulations, and standards, including management of contracts for indigent defense services, operations related to indigency screening and pre-trial services.
• Direct, supervise and evaluate the work of Skagit county Public Defender employees. Provide training, guidance, and performance appraisal to employees. Select, hire, promote, and discipline employees as necessary.
• Provide leadership and a supportive environment to a committed professional staff, encouraging peak performance and technical excellence. Create and nurture a culture which drives and encourages high performance, collaboration, agility, and accountability in the delivery of services. Lead, motivate and mentor the team, monitoring performance, fostering ongoing professional development and ensure staff have the knowledge and skills to achieve their work objectives in alignment with organizational values.
• Coordinate activities and departmental operations with other state and county departments and agencies such as the State Office of Public Defense, the Commissioner’s Office, Corrections, Budget and Finance, Central Services, the Prosecutor’s Office, the courts, the Bar and law enforcement agencies, and propose improvement in efficiencies and quality of service.
• Coordinate necessary support and professional services necessary for effective indigent defense. Draft, negotiate, process, and administer all contracts for indigent criminal defense, civil commitment proceedings, therapeutic courts, contempt proceedings and other indigent representation, as required.
• Perform direct representation of indigent defendants, as needed.
• Prepare, submit and defend annual departmental budget. Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of department program plans, policies, goals and objectives, and funding requests. Administer the approved departmental budget, monitor expenses, prepare requests for supplemental and emergency appropriations and otherwise is responsible for all fiscal matters of the Office of Public Defense.
• Develop policies, procedures and regulations for the delivery of indigent defense services, including the development and implementation of procedures for contract attorney selection, pursuant to State and Local public defense standards and, ethical obligations.
• Develop and implement procedures to monitor the delivery of services and compliance with policies and procedures by contract criminal defense counsel and make recommendations for more efficient operations.
• Oversee the development of policies and procedures for pre-trial release information to the district and superior courts with the approval of the presiding judges of those courts.

Represents the Skagit County Public Defender as an executive department in its relations to Judges, elected officials, members of the local and state bar associations, private practitioners and other government officials as may be called for.

• Attend meetings, conferences, and continuing legal education opportunities as Approved by the County Administrator.

Supervisory:

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over staff.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of criminal defense.

Experience in all areas of criminal law.

Experienced in handling and trying district court cases, juvenile cases and adult felony cases up to and including murder cases.

Considerable jury trial experience.

Experience handling dependency cases and mental health hearings.

Supervisory experience is essential.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.

• Political acumen and sensitivity to be effective within a broad range of interests.
• State court judicial system
• Inter-relationship among criminal justice agencies in Washington State
• Practice of criminal law in Washington
• State and County indigent defense standards, ordinances, statutes and court decisions related to criminal prosecution and indigent defense
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and policies
• Establish and maintain effective and positive work relationships with groups of individuals both within the County and in the criminal justice system.
• Provide guidance, leadership, assistance, and training to others
• Washington State Public Records Act and records retention procedures/schedules
• Analyze, plan, coordinate and develop policies and procedures in cooperation with appropriate individuals and agencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate, and manage conflict; exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Deal with people under stress and the ability to control and manage own behavior.
• Conduct bench and jury trials.
• Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor in court and in dealings with courts and attorneys.
• Gather and synthesize bodies of information, must possess high level of analytical ability and logic.
• Maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports
• Handle legal matters on behalf of indigent clients in a professional, efficient and courteous manner
• Identify and handle legal conflicts
• Negotiate and administer contracts

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Valid Washington State driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. The Chief Deputy can expect to handle a majority of the most difficult cases and difficult clients that come into the public defender's office. Public defense by its very nature is very demanding and stressful. However, staff members are professionals and strive to maintain close mutual support.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office or courtroom environment. Job may require sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping, or light lifting to access files may be required. A physical hazard may occur from hostile general public with threats either verbal, physical or with weapons and exposure to germs from dealing with the public and document handling.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.