Assistant Public Defender

Description:

1. Interviewing new clients, explaining charges and court procedures
2. Representing juveniles in juvenile delinquency petitions
3. Working closely with clients, correctional facilities, investigators, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, prosecutors, social services agencies, and witnesses
4. Handling all phases of criminal cases from preliminary hearings through appeals
5. Evaluating cases and evidence, and performing legal research
6. Preparing and filing a wide range of documents associated with representation
7. Negotiating plea agreements
8. Attending training sessions.

1. Performs other job-related duties as required and determined by the County Commissioners.

1. Juris Doctorate degree licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.

• Experience in Criminal law is preferred but not a requirement.

1. Works in limited work space with adequate lighting, temperatures and ventilation.
2. Frequent exposure to noise, disruptions and stress.
   
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
   
4. Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and/or communicable diseases.
   
5. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or aggressive behavior of clients.
   

1. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing and walking and occasional periods of bending, twisting, stooping, reaching as necessary to carry out essential job duties.
2. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.
3. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of twenty pounds.
4. Must demonstrate emotional stability.
5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
6. Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday.
7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instructions.
2. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.
   
3. Must possess initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills.
   
4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
   
5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
   
6. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computer.
   
7. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and a willingness to travel as needed to complete job duties.
   
8. Must possess knowledge and ability to effectively and adequately represent a variety of clients in various criminal and civil cases.
   
9. Must possess ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents and procedures.
   
10. Must possess ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at logical interpretation.
    
11. Must possess ability to set forth finding of facts and conclusions in written legal form.
    
12. Must possess ability to effectively coordinate individual cases and also to interact with other staff members.
    
13. Must possess ability to establish a working relationship with local, State and Federal law enforcement officials.