Opening Date:   March 10, 2017                                                                      Closing Date: April 10, 2017

Department:        Office of Public Defense                                         Annual Salary:  $84,313 – $100,114

Job Summary

The Chief Public Defender serves as the focal point for administration and management of the public defender services for the County.  Provides resource utilization, ensures legal compliance and quality control, financial management, and negotiation of public defender contracts.

Examples of Duties

Plans, coordinates and manages public defender services within budgeted funds, and prepares the annual Public Defender Budget proposal for submission to the County Commissioners.  Manages financial and case disposition records to determine direct and indirect costs. Ensures that all public defense services and functions are managed and provided in accordance with RCW 10.101 et.seq., Mason County Ordinances, Rules of Professional Conduct or any rules as may be adopted and required by the Washington State Supreme Court.  Formulates policies and procedures that control and ensure the indigent defense delivery system in Mason County meets professional and legal standards.

Minimum Requirements

Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, eight years of practice as an attorney with at least three years handling criminal matters at the felony level.  Significant trial and jury trial experience and at least three years supervisory experience at a senior management level (preferred).  Ability to utilize computer and related software.  Possess valid WSDL and auto insurance.

Application & Selection Process

Applicants are required to submit a Mason County Application.  The completed application may include additional pages of employment history using the application format, and a resume may be attached.  The completed application will be used as the primary document to determine if minimum qualifications are met for this recruitment.  Misrepresentation, incomplete, or inaccurate entries may be the cause of application rejection, removal from the employment list, or discharge from county service.  Applicants will be screened based upon education and experience, and the top candidates will be scheduled for interviews.  Selection factors will include demonstrated knowledge and abilities for the particular position. Only those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.  Please read the reverse side for additional information.  This selection process may be subject to change.

Equal Opportunity – Affirmative Action Employer                                       Drug-free Work Environment

Application Instructions – Carefully read the posting and note the minimum qualifications and the selection process.  Please indicate all relevant education and experience on the application.  A County application is always required and is utilized as the primary document to determine if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications.  Resumes can be included as a supplement but cannot be used in lieu of completing the application.  Applications must be entirely completed, and “see resume” will not be acceptable.  Applicants applying for more than one position must complete a separate application for each position.  Applications must be signed and dated, and returned to the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on or before the closing date.  Completed applications should be submitted or mailed to:  Mason County Human Resources, 411 North Fifth Street, Shelton, WA  98584, humanresources@nullco.mason.wa.us . Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than the closing date.  Additional materials will not be accepted after the closing date (with exception to mailed applications/material with postmark by the closing date).  Applicants should keep a copy of their completed application and any supplemental pages because they will not be returned nor copied after receipt.

Applicant Qualifications – All candidates must meet minimum requirements.  Often, the most competitive applicants will possess qualifications far exceeding the required minimum.  If a large number of applications are received, only the most qualified applicants will be involved in the selection process.

Authorization to Work – Successful candidates must present documentation proving authorization to work in the United States (as required by federal law).

Union Affiliation – Joining a union may be a condition of employment for some positions pursuant to the exception as noted in RCW 41.56.122(1) and any other rights afforded by law.

Work Environment – Mason County maintains a drug-free work environment and prohibits smoking in all County buildings.

“At-will” Positions – Some positions are considered “at-will” or at the pleasure of the employer.  Therefore, the County does not need to establish “just cause” or “cause” to terminate the employment relationship. Selection to an at-will position does not create or constitute an employment contract or agreement.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity – Mason County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fair employment practices and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Accommodation – Applicants with a disability requiring accommodation during the selection process should notify the Human Resources Department at (360) 427-9670 Ext. 268.

Health Insurance – Regular full-time employees and their qualifying dependents are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.  Some regular part-time employees may receive the same coverage.  Employees may partially contribute premiums depending upon the type of coverage selected.

Paid Leave – Sick leave, holidays, and vacation are provided in accordance with the County policy or union contracts.  Vacation accrual rates increase at regular intervals based on length of service with the County.

Retirement Plan – All regular Mason County employees are enrolled in the Washington State Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).  The County and employees contribute jointly to the plans.