Managing Attorney Preparation Program (MAPP), TDA

Full Job Description

King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants for one (1) Special Duty Assignment as Managing Attorney Preparation Program (MAPP) in our The Defender Association Division. This assignment is anticipated to last for up to two (2) years per the contract provisions.

This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future Special Duty vacancies over the next six (6) months.

About the Position
DPD is committed to the development and career progression of our dedicated Supervising Attorney staff. In partnership with Teamsters Local 117, DPD has initiated a project entitled the MAPP, which aims to develop current staff for senior leadership roles, while helping DPD to deepen its bench of qualified and competent senior leaders.

DPD will utilize supervisor levels to recruit, recognize, and retain talented, accomplished supervisors who are interested in upward career progression within the department and seek to strengthen their leadership skillset and experiences..

The Department’s Mission Statement
The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes justice and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.

DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.

DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:

MAPP participants are expected to fulfill all associated standard supervisor duties, in addition, as a part of the program participants will be asked to actively participate in and complete learning and development assignments and various on-the-job training tasks, including but not limited to:

• Be the incumbent back-up to fill in for temporary vacancies as Managing Attorney.
• Assist the managing attorney with tasks such as:
  • verifying that all staff are evaluated on an annual basis.
  • drafting and disseminating division communications.
  • consulting on policy and personnel matters.
  • supporting the Managing Attorney with planning and implementing employee engagement strategies.
• Serve as mentor to supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard supervisor duties include:

• Supervise attorneys, professional, legal and support staff.
• Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach subordinate employees. Ensure work conforms with prevailing professional standards and applicable statues and county policies.
• In consultation and coordination with Managing Attorney and Human Resource staff, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate.
• Provide mentorship to attorneys and others within the unit.
• Assign and balance workload among attorneys within unit.
• Ensure unit employees are up to date on DPD policies and developments, relevant legislative proposals or enactments and administrative and case law changes that bear on the practice area.

Qualifications

The following competencies will be evaluated as a part of this selection process:

• Self-Development
• Valuing Differences
• Collaboration
• Managerial Courage
• Driving Engagement
• Instilling Trust
• Driving Results

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements:
Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing.

Additional Information

WHY KING COUNTY?

At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

King County offers great benefits, to include a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
This recruitment is internal and only open to current career service Public Defense Attorney – Supervisors in The Defender Association (TDAD) Division of DPD. Please apply at www.kingcounty.gov/careers.

This assignment is anticipated to last for up to two (2) years per the contract provisions.

This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future Special Duty vacancies over the next six (6) months.

Per International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 117 - Department of Public Defense - Supervisors and Managers MOA "Managing Attorney Preparation Program (MAPP) Pilot Project,” the MAPP participant for each division shall be selected from the Supervisors' ranks in his or her respective division.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A letter of interest detailing the following items below
  • How this program supports your career goals.
  • What you've done to prepare for leadership roles to date.
  • Why you are interested in the role of Managing Attorney.

Note: Special Duty opportunities are only open to current King County career service employees that have completed their initial probation. Special Duty applicants must have approval from their current supervisor to accept an assignment.

Pay Upon Special Duty Placement
Current employees selected for special duty will be compensated based upon the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement or Coalition Labor Agreement for their base assignment.

Work Location and Schedule
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) offers a supportive and inclusive workplace. Onsite reporting requirements are based on operational needs. This position may be required to travel to various locations throughout King County, including courts, jails, hospitals and treatment centers.

If assigned to the civil commitment unit, you will primarily report to hospitals and treatment centers across the county. Because DPD prioritizes robust client contact and in-person court presence, work locations and reporting requirements may change to meet these priorities.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As an exempt employee, you are expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform your job and will not be eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time.

Rotation of work location and practice area, and workflow is an essential function of this position and may occur as needed to support operations. You may be assigned to and travel to any of our Seattle or Kent offices:

• Dexter Horton Building – 710 Second Avenue, Seattle
• Jefferson Street Building – 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle
• Ninth & Jefferson Building – 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle
• Meeker Street Building – 420 West Harrison Street, Kent
• Kent Professional Center – 124 4th Avenue South, Kent

This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and not overtime eligible. This position is expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform the job, and some night and weekend work is required.

DPD Policies
DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Procedures will apply to employees, such that if you work or have worked for one of DPD's divisions, you may be ineligible to work in another division.

Outside Work Policy for Attorneys will apply to employees, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.

Union Membership
Positions in this classification are recognized by Teamsters Local 117.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, this salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement and deferred compensation. For additional information, please review the detailed summary of benefits offered by King County.