Assistant Public Defender - Mental Health Attorney

JOB TITLE:

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER – MENTAL HEALTH ATTORNEY

DEPARTMENT: NORTH HILL COUNTRY PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE (NHCPDO)

SALARY: $99,673.60 - $

LOCATION:

BLANCO, BURNET AND LLANO COUNTY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position is an exempt position that requires a valid Texas State Bar License in good standing. This position requires knowledge of Texas law, and provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, misdemeanor or juvenile cases in the assigned county. Document processing, and/or record keeping, and preparation and presentation of legal cases in jury and bench trials are necessary to fulfill this position.

Position assists in the daily operation of the Public Defender’s Office.

• Represents mentally ill indigent clients in court as assigned in Blanco, Burnet and Llano Counties in felony misdemeanor and cases.
• Researches, develops and trains on “best practices” in the area of working with mentally ill clients. Facilitates and coordinates staff development on best practices.
• Provides consistent presence and availability to handle various unexpected client issues, including de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Create and recommend department and program initiatives.
• Prepare administrative and statistical reports.
• Work independently and in collaboration with diverse colleagues and community partners.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other county employees and officials, and the general public.
• Evaluates, investigates and offers legal advice in assigned cases, providing analysis of pending charges and
• Represents indigent clients in plea offers and negotiations, jury trials, trials before the court, contested matters before the court and dismissals.
• Interviews clients and potential witnesses and discusses the facts and applicable law with clients.
• Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents and interprets laws, rules and regulations.
• Reviews evidence, inspects crime scenes and prepares investigative requests.
• Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispostions.
• Direct other office personnel and assist other public defenders as needed.
• Ensures the Chief Public Defender is kept apprised on all matters to assure timely and efficient operations.

Performs all other related duties involved in the operation of the office as assigned by the Chief Public Defender and necessary to support the BCPDO.

Cross-train the office personnel and other public defenders on procedures to follow on cases, behavior in a courtroom setting, and in preparation of legal documents.

Coordinates the flow of information between the BCPDO and other departments and/or outside agencies.

Graduation from an accredited law school with a license, in good standing, to practice law in the State of Texas.

• Two (2) year experience practicing law required.
• Must have experience working with individuals mental health issues in psychology, social work, or related fields, or a strong desire to work with these individuals.
• Requires knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and Must also have the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Must have the ability to speak English clearly to be understood by others.
• Must have a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills along with excellent communication, organizational and planning skills.
• Must have the ability to meet and serve a diverse group of individuals in a friendly and…