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Job Description
Examples of Duties
This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $34.77 to $61.02 per hour.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
- Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations.
- Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
- Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports.
- May provide lead direction to other attorneys; May assist in training others professional staff.
- Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Level I: None.
Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. OR
Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
- Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
- Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
- Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
- Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
- Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
- Frequent use of hand - eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
- Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:- Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
- Legal research methods.
- Trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
- Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office.
- Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases.
Ability to:- Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
- Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems.
- Draft legal instruments and opinions.
- Investigate and defend criminal complaints.
- Perform difficult legal research.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background.
- Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies.
- Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
- Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
ADMINISTRATIVELEAVE
96 hours per Fiscal Year (prorated for the time remaining in the fiscal year).
SICK LEAVE
0.0462 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 12 days (96 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus one optional holiday.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Three (3) regularly scheduled work days or five (5) days if distance traveled over 500 miles one-way.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Management Disability Insurance- Unit 7 Merced County Attorney’s Association – 100% premium paid by employee
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Unit 7 Merced Count Attorney’s Association $50,000
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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