Wage Ranges:
Assistant County Attorney I ($47.54 - $59.41 hourly)
Assistant County Attorney II ($54.89 - $68.55 hourly)
 

The Assistant County Attorney I & II provides legal advice for the County. The position is appointed by the County Attorney and must process criminal cases, both adult and juvenile; enforce child support and protection laws; and advice county officials and officers.

Professional/Technical Duties and Responsibilities

• Prosecutes adults and juveniles who violate State or county law to enhance the safety of the community.
  • Reviews law enforcement reports, determine appropriate charges and draft complaints.
  • Negotiates fair and consistent plea agreements.
  • Identifies and prepare witnesses and exhibits for trial.
  • Presents evidence in an effective and legal manner.
  • Argues cases persuasively to a judge or jury.
  • Informs victims or witnesses of their rights and obligations.
  • Researches legal issues to advise law enforcement and to prepare legal memorandum.
• Advises County officials, in person and writing, about legal issues to protect the County from liability.
  • Reviews and suggests policies and procedures which conform to legal requirements.
  • Interprets laws and court decisions to determine their applicability to County decisions.
  • Informs County officials of changes in the laws which affect their duties and obligations.
  • Represents the County in tax appeal litigation
• Advises and represents County Social Services to ensure protection of vulnerable members of society and fair distribution of benefits.
  • Reviews, drafts and prosecutes child support and paternity cases.
  • Review, drafts and prosecutes mental illness, chemical dependency and individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Assists with financial eligibility case appeals.
• Performs other duties as directed by the County Attorney.
  • Provides work direction to the Victim-Witness Coordinator and Child Support Assistant and manages the activities of the department in absence of the County Attorney.
  • Attends and participates in workshops, seminars, in-service training as approved.
  • Follows established safety and infection control policies and procedures; and participates in all required in-service training regarding fire safety, disaster preparedness, infection control and safety regulations.
  • Maintains work areas in a sanitary and safe manner and follows departmental dress code.
• Advises and provides training to county employees regarding data practices law.
• Advises and trains law enforcement and human services on legal issues and assists with search warrants.

Ancillary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds on-call for emergencies.
• Attends training, educational and staff meetings.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and Local criminal and civil law.
2. Thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and skill in analyzing evidence.
3. Knowledge of court rules including civil procedure, constitutional law, MN Statutes, court rules criminal procedures, juvenile procedure, family court procedure and civil appellate procedure.
4. Must possess strong organizational skills to meet deadlines and coordinate multiple activities with little direction.
5. Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, flexibility and diplomacy.
6. Thorough knowledge of sentencing guidelines.
7. Skill in prosecuting criminal, civil and other cases.
8. Skill in evaluating, preparing and managing cases.
9. Skill in performing legal research.
10. Ability to incorporate and apply information to fact situations in oral and written presentations.
11. Significant skill in presenting written and oral arguments.
12. Ability to train and work with law enforcement and human services personnel.
13. Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved; supervisors generally set operating benchmarks, goals and objectives.
14. Ability to perform widely varied work involving many complex and significant variables, requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures and methods to fit unusual and complex situations.
15. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with frequent interaction to negotiate critical agreements or motivate behavior that requires a well-developed sense of strategy and timing.

Education and Experience

1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; and
2. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota; and
3. Three years relevant work experience.

1. Ability to work well with others and maintain excellent reputation with colleagues and other
         professionals. 

1. Strong skill set in criminal law, civil or appellate work and has handled significant and complex
          cases. 

1. Ability to train on various programs/roles within the department; and 

1. Ability to mentor Assistant County Attorney I

1. Regular attendance according to the department’s work schedule; and 

1. Maintain good standing performance with Wadena County; and 

1. Equivalent combination of education/training/experience 

Equipment and Tools

• Office and computer equipment

Physical and Mental Requirements

This job typically requires sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is prolonged exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. The position has good working conditions in general but is a diversified job requiring sustained mental effort related to public contacts, organizational issues, planning and technical areas. 

The individual may encounter severe emotional strain or tension.  There is sustained exposure to public contact, sitting and standing and to disagreeable seasonal conditions and/or serious injury while in and around Department equipment.  There will also be some exposure to lifting (up to 25 lbs.).

This position can be subject to phone calls/emergencies that require reporting to work on weekends, holidays, or in the middle of the night.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field. There is some exposure to aggressive individuals, hostile property owners, inclement weather, temperature extremes and stressful situations. Travel is required to other facilities, agencies, meetings and training.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

Wadena County is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.