Job Opening: Assistant Chief, Diversion, Re-entry and Operation
Department: Office of the Public Defender
Posting Date: January 13, 2023
Shift: Office hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, additional hours as necessary
The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The office employs over roughly 60 attorneys and staff to provide zealous advocacy for our clients. The office represents several thousand clients each year in the District Justice Courts, the Court of Common Pleas and the Appellate Courts of Pennsylvania.
Under the general oversight of the Public Defender and First Assistant, the Assistant Chief of Diversion, Re-entry and Operations is responsible for supervising programs designed to divert people from the criminal justice system, help them re-enter society following conviction and improve operations to ensure the agency efficiently and effectively achieves our mission. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
Co - management of attorneys assigned working on pretrial diversion or re-entry in the Office of the Public Defender
Co-supervision of cases assigned to pretrial diversion and/or re-entry programs in Delaware County and all re-entry programs including, but not limited to ARD, Mental Health Court, Drug Treatment Court, Second Chance Court, Veteran’s Court, etc.
Development of internal operating procedures and systems for the effective and efficient use of departmental resources
Handle a caseload in the Diversion, Re-entry and/or Mental Health Unit(s)
Collaboration with all criminal justice stakeholders on the creation, development and implementation of systems for collaboration and information sharing
Supervision of support staff involved in OPD operations including social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff
Developing and engaging in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client
Working to advocate for structural change and adherence to national and statewide best practices that will benefit the interest of public defender clients
Perform related work at the request of the Defender or First Assistant, when necessary
Licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the ability to gain admission to the Pennsylvania Bar via reciprocity
A minimum of 5 years’ experience representing clients in criminal cases
Knowledge of the operations of the Delaware County criminal justice system preferred
Background in project management, systems development and operations strongly preferred.
Experience managing a team of attorneys, preferably in public interest law firm
Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to public service
A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload
Strong relationship-building skills
Residence Requirement: The County of Delaware has a residency requirement for employees. Anyone applying for this job must reside in Delaware County or be willing to move to the County within six months of starting employment.
To apply, please fill out our online application form.