PUBLIC DEFENDER (ATTORNEY 1)

OVERVIEW

The Kitsap County Office of Public Defense delivers steadfast client-centered representation through our team of dedicated attorneys. We’re seeking a committed Public Defender to join our collaborative environment and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Position Overview: As a Public Defender, you will represent indigent clients facing misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges in Kitsap County's municipal and district courts. Working under moderate supervision, you'll have the opportunity to develop your practice while contributing to our office's mission of equal justice under the law.

What You'll Bring:

• Strong foundation in criminal law, procedure, and trial practice
• Experience with courts of limited jurisdiction
• Excellence in legal research and analysis
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Ability to effectively organize and present cases across various forums

What We Offer:

• Supportive team environment with experienced mentors
• Balance of independent practice and collaborative support
• Opportunity to serve your community and protect constitutional rights
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Join a team that values advocacy, compassion, and integrity in protecting every client’s rights. Your work will directly impact the lives of community members while advancing your legal career alongside committed professionals.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized and accredited school of law by the US Department of Education, and
• Membership in the Washington State Bar Association, and
• All minimum qualifications must be met, there are no acceptable equivalent qualifications.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• One year experience in the criminal law field.
• Experience working with Kitsap County Courts.

Criminal Conviction Standards:

• The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.
• Please review the following list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet our standard for this position: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ffa/disqualifying-list-crimes-and-negative-actions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• The duties in this position are performed in an office setting, jail, courtroom and may be required to lift at least 20 pounds.
• Incumbents may be exposed to hostile individuals while in the courtroom setting.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Under supervision and direction of a Public Defense Supervising Attorney the incumbent will:

• Provide legal representation for accused at arraignment proceedings.
  
• Prepare legal pleadings.
  
• Deploy investigation resources.
• Engage in plea negotiation.
• Prepare trial materials, exhibits, and witnesses for presentation.
• Provide representation at sentencing, post-trial motions, and motions to revoke.
• Perfect appeal to Kitsap County Superior Court and provide legal representation during the appeal process.
• Assist Public Defenders with status hearings, change of plea hearings and sentencing hearings as assigned.
• Attend trainings and remain current with Continuing Legal Education credits.
• Serve subpoenas, summonses and other required documents on witnesses and suspects as required.
• Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy. Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. May be required to work more than the 40 hours in a workweek.
• Perform other related duties as required.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply : This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is classified as "at will”. Incumbent's continued employment is at the discretion of the Director/Elected Official/Board of County Commissioners.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This continuous recruitment is being used to fill current openings. Candidates that pass the interview process may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.
• Work hours for this position are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year. One additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)

Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• KITSAP COUNTY

• 360.337.7185

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