Parents Counsel I - Assistant Defender I

MAINE COMISSION ON PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES

DIVISION OF PARENTS COUNSEL

Opening Date: November 6, 2024

Closing Date:  November 21, 2024

Job Class Code: 0622
Grade: 38
Salary: $102,107.20 - $144,684.80/Annually
Position Number: 146000024

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Parents Counsel I position in the Division of Parents’ Counsel. The position will be filled by the most qualified candidate who will work from the Public Defender office closest to their home. Preference will be given to a candidate in one of the geographic regions that is experiencing the highest need for parent attorneys. These regions include Kennebec County, Penobscot County, the Tri-County Region (Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford Counties), Aroostook County, and the Downeast area. Some travel will be required. 

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Parents Counsel I will work under the supervision of the Parent Counsel Division Chief and will share office space with the PDS Criminal Public Defender office, which is comprised of a district defender, criminal defenders, and support staff. The ability to telework at times is available. 

JOB DUTIES

The Parents Counsel I will represent parents whose children have been taken into custody, or are at risk of being taken into custody, by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The candidate must have compassion for indigent clients, many of whom are experiencing or have experienced trauma and barriers to services and support. The candidate must possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; have the ability to analyze facts, laws, rules and regulations, and apply applicable law to the facts and situation; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute effective litigation strategies to achieve desired results; prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections; and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

The Parents Counsel I is expected to attend meetings between the Department and the client, assist the client access services and supports in furtherance of family reunification, file appropriate motions and pleadings, and try cases in District Court. The Parents Counsel I is expected to meet with and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties and will also second chair cases with the Parents Counsel II. The Parents Counsel I position reports to the Parents Counsel Division Chief. There is potential for some appellate work. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Law degree from an accredited law school and experience practicing law in a field directly related to area of assignment and including demonstrated experience working highly technical and/or analytical cases.

The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in indigent defense and family reunification, prior experience litigating parental defense and/or similar cases, and be comfortable handling a high-volume caseload. 

Preference will be given to applicants with five (5) years of relevant experience.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Please apply online and submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and references with your application.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

• Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Maine driver's license.

For questions about this position, please contact Executive Director Jim Billings at jim.billings@maine.gov. 

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

 

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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Last updated on Nov 6, 2024