OPD Manager

The Office of Public Defense Manager creates short and long-term strategic direction and develops and implements policies, procedures, programs and related technology and support systems, to achieve related goals and objectives for the Office of Public Defense (OPD) and the County. This position directs, evaluates, and continuously improves the operation of the department and oversees OPD employees and the development, modification, and implementation of OPD functions relating to indigent defense according to current department and County practices, as well as statutory requirements. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Oversees attorney compliance with county policy and Washington State statute (RCW 10.101.030) for indigent defense standards for Benton and Franklin Counties Superior and Franklin District courts. Facilitates fulfillment of the county’s obligation to provide high quality, independent counsel to indigent parties.
• Determines court obligations and assignments with duties including, but not limited to: addressing issues relating to public defender appointments, defender absences, or other related issues as raised by the Superior Court, fielding questions relating to processes including appointment of counsel, requests for funding, and availability of other services in support of public defense cases.  
• Provides lead direction and guidance to staff and contractors; assists in definingissues, providing advice, developing case strategy, etc. Develops and implements training programs for staff and contract attorneys.
• Provides legal representation for up to 75 cases/case points per year ranging from misdemeanors to class A and persistent offender cases.
• Reviews and/or prepares cases for courtroom presentation; researches legal issues and conducts or oversees thorough investigation of facts and information. Reviews and drafts legal documents. 
• Collaborates with the Judges of District and Superior Courts to develop a methodology for the distribution of ancillary resources such as experts and investigators to attorneys. 
• Plans, organizes, assists, and directs the work assignments/schedules for the programs, plans, requirements, and administration of services for OPD in accordance with related codes, ordinances, regulations, laws and County guidelines. 
• Develops, administers, and monitors an accurate, realistic, and fiscally sound department budget and fiscal operation, including payroll, of the department. Approves, monitors and manages expenditures, revenues, and costs in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with approved budget and in accordance department goals, objectives and County standard practices. 
• Evaluates employee and contract public defender performance and provides consistent and timely performance feedback and coaching to direct reports. Provides support, identifies and coordinates training or development activities as needed to enhance employee’s effectiveness, and manages performance issues up to and including administering discipline and termination. Supports supervisors in their role of managing employee performance. 
• Plans, organizes, directs, and communicates the development, implementation, and progress of the department goals, objectives, budget, policies, procedures, priorities, and performance standards to ensure the efficient and effective operations in compliance with County standards. 
• Oversees the creation, development, and maintenance of systems and records including files, lists, logs, and other recordkeeping systems utilizing computerized and manual systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations according to current department and County practices. 
• Monitors, reports, interprets, communicates and implements changes to policy, procedures, or programs due to new trends, innovations, federal, state and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area(s) of assignment. 
• Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Expert knowledge of modern principles, methods, and practices as it relates to area(s) of assignment. 
• Expert knowledge of Franklin County business and financial acumen and the application and interpretation of Franklin County policies and procedures and federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area(s) of assignment. 
• Expert knowledge of principles and practices of management as applied to supervision, training, performance evaluations, program planning, staffing, budgeting, coordination, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, operational needs, and staff development.
• Proficient knowledge of principles and practices of governmental fiscal management including budget preparation, expenditure control, and sound record keeping. 
• Proficient project management skills including creating scope and sequence, communication, leadership (providing direction, vision, coaching team, sound judgment, issue and conflict resolution, and effective decision making), negotiation, team building, use of project management tools and techniques, organizational savvy, personal organization, risk management, and breadth in specific application or industry knowledge. 
• Expert troubleshooting skills to resolve issues or problems by analyzing trends and problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and communicating and/or implementing recommendations in support of goals and maintaining compliance. 
• Expert time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
• Proficient Skills in Word, Outlook, and the ability learn and develop proficient skills in the County-wide enterprise resource planning software, and other online portals for state agencies. Expert skills in using the internet for research.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information. 
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideas and recommendations effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment. 
• Ability to lead the department by remaining open to new ideas and approaches, managing and influencing change, solving problems and making decisions, managing politics and influencing others, taking risks and innovating, setting vision and strategy, managing the work, demonstrating commitment to staff development, communicating information and expectations often and openly, enhancing business skills and knowledge, understanding and navigating the organization, and creating a feeling of succeeding and failing together. 
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message. 
• Ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments to meet deadlines, and communicate changes and progress to staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:
  • constantly: in an office or courtroom environment, and 
  • occasionally: near dirt, dust and shavings, exposed to other environmental conditions when interacting with inmates in a jail facility
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, a typical office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
The person in this position must be able to 

• spend the following amount of time in an activity: 
  • constantly: sit for extended periods of time, talk or hear; use hands and/or fingers to handle, feel, or operate equipment or tools, 
  • frequently: walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch, and
  • occasionally: stand, climb, pull, push or balance.
• carry or transport items:
  • frequently: up to 10 pounds, and 
  • occasionally: up to 25 pounds
• have peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and have close vision (1-20 inches) and distance vision (20 feet or more).

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier.  Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Washington.

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor Degree
• Five years’ experience as a practicing attorney 
• Two years' experience as a criminal defense attorney
• Qualified to represent indigent defendants on Class A and Persistent Offender cases. 
• Two years’ management experience

OR 

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:
The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Salary : $122,658 - $164,590