ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY I - DHS

Mesa County; United States; On-site; USD 84,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Life insurance

Long term disability

Job summary

Mesa County is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to provide entry-level legal services to the Department of Human Services in dependency and neglect, delinquency, child support, adult protection, and related matters. Under close supervision, you assist with case preparation, research, pleadings, motions, and routine court appearances, supporting DHS staff and promoting timely outcomes.

You will draft motions, respond to legal issues, provide daily legal guidance to DHS, and assist with

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctorate and 0-2 years of legal experience, a preference for litigation experience.
• Licensure/Eligibility: Licensed to practice law in Colorado, in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with case preparation, conduct legal research, draft pleadings and motions, and appear in court on routine matters under supervision.
• Provide daily legal guidance to DHS caseworkers and collaborate with agency staff to support timely case outcomes.
• Draft, file, and argue routine motions; prepare witnesses and exhibits; present evidence at hearings.
• Advise County staff on subpoenas and discovery; assist with appellate briefing as assigned.
• Participate in training and collaboration with caseworkers on the Children’s Code and related procedures.

Education

Juris Doctorate

0-2 years legal experience

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 assigned Draft, 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 Qualifications

Education: 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 team.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework, 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 Abilities

Foundational 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 role Ability to draft clear motions and pleadings, conduct legal research, and present arguments under supervision. Duties include drafting and responding to motions and researching legal issues Strong 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 required Organizational 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 trainings.

Working Conditions

This 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 Requirements

The 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.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Life insurance
• Long term disability

Agency Mesa County Address

544 Rood Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501

Phone 970- 244 - 1856

Website http://www.mesacounty.us

Mesa County is looking for innovative, collaborative and enthusiastic people dedicated to serving the citizens of Mesa County. If you want to have a challenging career and you have these qualities, let’s make great things happen together, come join Team Mesa! We have a demanding workplace that promotes teamwork, flexibility and initiative while at the same time encouraging a healthy work/life balance. If such an environment motivates you, please consider the exciting career opportunities we have available.