ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY I - DHS

Mesa-County; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 84,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesa County is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to provide entry-level legal services to the Department of Human Services on dependency and neglect, child support, adult protection, and related matters. Under close supervision, you will assist with case preparation, research, pleadings, motions, and court appearances.

You will draft and respond to motions, present evidence, train DHS staff, and support appellate work as assigned, while maintaining professional standards in a busy public

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and Colorado bar eligibility required.
• Licensed to practice law in Colorado in good standing or eligible for admission.
• 0-2 years of legal experience preferred, with litigation exposure welcome.

Responsibilities

• Draft and respond to motions, pleadings, and research legal issues.
• Represent DHS in hearings and trials under supervision.
• Provide daily legal advice to DHS and partner with caseworkers.
• Support appellate briefing and collateral duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Collaboration

Time management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

$7,527.98 - $8,597.98_____________________________________________________________The Assistant County Attorney provides entry-level legal services to the Department of Human Services in matters involving dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, and related administrative issues. Under close supervision, the attorney assists with case preparation, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings and motions, appears in court on routine matters, and partners with caseworkers and agency staff to support effective and timely case outcomes that protect public safety and promote child and family well-being. Provide legal services to the Mesa County Department of Human Services in dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, mental health commitments, and administrative matters. Draft and respond to motions, research legal issues, analyze cases, prepare cases for hearing, and present evidence including witness testimony at hearings and trials. Help with training and partner with DHS caseworkers and provide daily legal advice to DHS. Assist with appellate briefing to higher courts as assigned. Other assigned duties may include providing legal services to County departments and the Board of Commissioners, including research, litigation, policy review, and general legal advice.Under supervision, represent the Department in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions and pleadings, preparing for and litigating hearings and trials, and handling appeals as assigned. Provide representation in all aspects of the dependency and neglect caseload, including drafting motions, pleadings, appeals, and litigating hearings and trials.Assist in representation for adult protection, mental health commitments, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters as assigned. Provide representation in adult protection, mental health commitment, developmental disability impositions, alcohol and drug commitments, child support enforcement, and administrative matters as assignedDraft, file, and argue routine motions; conduct legal research and analysis; prepare witnesses and exhibits; and present evidence at hearings appropriate to experience level. Draft and respond to motions, research legal issues, prepare cases for hearing, and present evidence including witness testimony at hearings.Provide timely legal guidance to agency staff regarding case strategy, subpoenas, discovery, and compliance with applicable procedures. Advise County staff on process and procedures relating to subpoenas and discovery requests. Provide legal advice to DHS on a daily basis.Participate in training and collaboration with caseworkers on the Children’s Code and related procedures, and assist in preparing cases for filing and prosecution. Help with training DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code, prepare cases for filing, and prosecute dependency and neglect cases including preparing witnesses, exhibits, and presenting cases to court.Communicate effectively with agency staff, court personnel, opposing counsel, and other professionals in writing and orally. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, co-workers and other professionals.Maintain professional competence through ongoing continuing legal education and internal training. Maintain professional competence by attending continuing legal education trainings.Assist the County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys with assignments and special projects and perform other related duties as assigned. Assist County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorneys as assigned and perform other related duties as assigned.Minimum QualificationsEducation: Juris Doctorate and 0-2 years of legal experience, a preference for litigation experience.Licensure/Eligibility: Licensed to practice law in Colorado, and in good standing. Current Colorado License to Practice Law is required.Experience: No prior post‑bar attorney experience required; relevant internships, clinics, or clerkships are welcome.Skills: Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; ability to learn quickly, manage a high‑volume docket with supervision, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work successfully with caseworkers, the public, and members of the child welfare teamPreferred QualificationsCoursework, clinic, internship, or clerkship experience in juvenile law, family law, government, or litigation.Moot court, mock trial, or trial practice experience.Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to client communities.Demonstrated commitment to public service.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesFoundational knowledge of evidence, civil procedure, and administrative process, with willingness to develop subject‑matter expertise in the Children’s Code and related areas. Training of DHS caseworkers on Colorado’s Children’s Code and related procedures is part of the roleAbility to draft clear motions and pleadings, conduct legal research, and present arguments under supervision. Duties include drafting and responding to motions and researching legal issuesStrong interpersonal communication and professionalism with courts, counsel, and agency staff. Effective oral and written communication with DHS, court clerks, judges, opposing counsel, and other professionals is requiredOrganizational skills to manage deadlines across a high‑volume docket and adapt to changing priorities.Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing legal education. Maintain professional competence by attending continuing legal education trainingsWorking ConditionsThis position is based in a professional office and courtroom environment with regular in‑person court appearances, meetings, and deadlines. Work is primarily in a typical office and courtroom environment.Physical RequirementsThe role may require periods of standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds. May require standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds.Application InstructionsPlease submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial law school transcript, writing sample, and three professional references through the County’s online application portal. Candidates not yet admitted in Colorado should include their anticipated bar admission timeline. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment and relevant experience with prior agencies.A merit system that rewards or penalizes employees for exceptional or below standard job performance.Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to or impact the efficiency of the work in questions.This position is eligible for the following Mesa County benefits;MedicalDentalVisionRetirementPaid Sick and Vacation LeaveLife insuranceLong term disability_____________________________________________________________AgencyMesa CountyAddress544 Rood AveGrand Junction, CO 81501Phone970- 244 - 1856Websitehttp://www.mesacounty.us