Harris County

Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division

Harris County Houston, TX

Position Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Represents clients of the Public Defender in court who are identified as mentally ill or as intellectually disabled.
  • Makes contact with clients, witnesses, and law enforcement as required, including regular trips to jails and prisons.
  • Gathers evidence and discovery. Supervises social workers, investigators, and other staff.
  • Assists in seeking services and assistance for clients.


Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

  • A Juris Doctorate degree and a current license to practice law with the State Bar of Texas are required.


Licensure:

  • A valid driver's license is required. (Must obtain a Texas driver's license before date of hire).


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Good written and oral communication skills required. Effective organizational and time management skills required to successfully execute job duties. Must possess the skill to manage a demanding caseload of mentally ill and/intellectually disabled criminal defendants using interviews and evidence-based practices.


NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

  • Three (3) years plus experience as a criminal defense attorney is preferred; including having been approved to take appointments in the Harris County Criminal Courts.
  • Experience working with mentally ill or intellectually disabled persons preferred.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.


General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

  • Regular Full-time
  • Monday - Friday
    • Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays as needed
    • Hours will be discussed during departmental interview

Salary:

  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits


Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Legal
  • Industries

    Government Administration

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