Deputy Public Defender III

Salary : $124,829.12 - $150,766.72 Annually

Location : Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 25-2302-01 (O)

Department : Public Defender

Opening Date : 12 / 12 / 2024

Closing Date : Continuous

Description

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

ADDITIONAL NOTICE OF CHANGE : For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.

SALARY

124,829.12 - $150,766.72 Annually

Bilingual allowance when applicable

The Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara.

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, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be willing to accept assignment at all locations. To be considered, all applicants must check "All locations" in the application and supplemental questionnaire.

To learn more about us, visit

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 in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria : Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.
• Life Insurance : $20,000 Term Life Insurance
• Retirement : The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.

For more information on County Benefits, click

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S MISSION : The County of Santa Barbara Public Defenders 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. Standing with our client includes bringing to bear the resources of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, social workers, IT professionals, and others to craft the best defenses and most successful reentry plans that elevate our client's needs. Public defenders in Santa Barbara County work every day with people living on the street, living with a lack of appropriate services, and living with a host of complex needs. We use the tools of litigation, trial, negotiation, diversion, and services-based solutions to assist our clients every day. We walk with adults and children into arraignment, misdemeanor, felony, trial, and advocate in mental health, veterans, and drug specialty courts to avoid the potentially lifelong and crushing aftermath of criminal cases, involuntary commitment, or unresponsive probate or conservatorship situations. We enhance public safety by holding the legal system to uphold the constitutional and statutory rights of our community and honor their spaces, stories, and struggles. We are an organization that grapples with issues of racial justice and equity to heal the past injustices that influence our community daily. Further, we work alongside community-based organizations to create more opportunities for restoration, healing, and the future success of our clients. The Department has a budget of approximately $22 million and a staff of approximately 120 energetic advocates.

To learn more about us, visit :

THE 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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS : Deputy Public Defender I / II / III / IV / Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series is dependent upon both seniority and performance.

The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must have demonstrated competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents will develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to : serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE : Will have a proven track record demonstrating their knowledge of :

The successful applicant will also have the ability to :

Examples of Duties

Employment Standards

Active membership in the State Bar of California and not less than :

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 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.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS :

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. At the time the employment list is established, all qualified candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.

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. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

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 may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months.

Disaster Service Worker : Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing, the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and / or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

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

Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II - erkuhn@countyofsb.org

Retirement Plans

Health Benefits

Paid Time Off

Miscellaneous Benefits

Compensation Summary

I acknowledge it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge, if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards, there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

A valid California Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment. A valid California Driver's License may need to be kept current as a condition of continued employment in this position.

This position requires that you are willing to work at All Locations in the Public Defender's Office (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc) and you are agreeing to these terms regardless of your selection on your application. All candidates hired can be placed at any Public Defender location and transferred to another location during your employment with the County of Santa Barbara.

This position requires that you have an active membership in the State Bar of California at the time of application. Please select the option that best describes your current status.

If you have an active membership with the California State Bar, please provide the date it was issued and the license number. The hiring department may request a copy for verification. If you do not have an active membership, type "N / A."

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application? Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND

If you selected the third answer option for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to...," then please describe in detail how your combined training, education, and experience is equivalent to one of the standards.

How many years of experience do you have practicing Criminal Law that includes trial skills, law and motion work and experience with misdemeanor, felony or juvenile court cases?

The following questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the Employment List. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613 : https : / / www.countyofsb.org / 1444 / Civil-Service-Rules

Please select all of the choices that most accurately reflect your experiences working with people of diverse cultures, experiences, and economic backgrounds (please select all that apply).

How many years of experience do you have working in a Public Defender's office?

Please select the answer that most accurately reflects your experience with criminal / civil law and any motions you have filed for your clients. Proper motions to consider are 1538.5, 995, Motions in Limine, et al. Do not include any 1050 or boilerplate motions.

How many specialized criminal law trainings, such as those offered by the California Public Defender's Association (CPDA), California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ), et al have you attended? Examples include the Basic Trial Skills Seminar, Mastering Voir Dire, etc. Note : Please also list the specialized training(s) that you have completed on your employment application.

Please select the answer that best describes your experience with handling jury and court trials.

Required Question

Salary : $124,829 - $150,767