Assistant County Attorney I - Human Services

JOB SUMMARY:
 
Provide legal services to the Mesa County Department of Human Services (“MCDHS”) in all aspects of dependency and neglect cases and appeals, delinquency cases, child support, adult protection, and various administrative matters.  Provide legal services related to mental health commitments.  Trains and partners with DHS caseworkers. Prosecutes dependency and neglect cases.  Represents MCDHS in child support enforcement.  Drafts and responds to motions; researches legal issues; analyzes cases; prepares cases for hearing and presents evidence including witness testimony at various hearings which may include but are not limited to, adjudicatory trials and termination of parental rights trials.  Researches and prepares appellate briefs for the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court.  Other assigned duties may include providing legal services to assigned County departments and the Board of Commissioners which may include research, all aspects of litigation, policy review, and general legal advice regarding current issues under consideration by the County.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. 
 
Provide representation in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting any necessary motions, pleadings and appeals, preparing for and litigating hearings and trials.  
 
Provide representation in all aspects of adult protection cases, mental health commitment cases, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement cases, administrative matters and similar cases as assigned.
 
Advise County staff on process and procedures relating to subpoenas and discovery requests.
 
Provide legal advice to DHS as required on a daily basis.
 
Trains DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code, Dependency and Neglect and Delinquency procedures.  Prepares cases for filing and prosecutes Dependency and Neglect cases. Prepares witnesses, exhibits and presents cases to court.
 
Communicate effectively orally and in writing with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, and other professionals.  
 
Maintain professional competence and training by attending related, ongoing continuing legal education trainings.
 
Assists County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys as assigned.
 
Performs other related duties as assigned.  
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:
 
Juris Doctorate and two (2) years legal experience, a preference for litigation experience.
 
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.   The ideal candidate will have the ability to work successfully with caseworkers, public and other members of the child welfare team.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 
Current Colorado License to Practice Law