Attorney - Involuntary Treatment Act
King County, WA
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Civil Division, seeks a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Section. The DPA will handle civil commitment trials, hearings and appeals, collaborating with behavioral health professionals and witnesses.
Ideal candidates bring strong litigation, negotiation, and leadership skills, with a deep commitment to RESJ and cultural competency.
Qualifications
- Licensed attorney in Washington state with active bar membership.
- Strong litigation, negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Commitment to racial equity, social justice and cultural competency.
Responsibilities
- Represent ITA civil commitment trials, hearings and appeals.
- Collaborate with behavioral health professionals and witnesses.
- Train professionals and families about the ITA process.
Skills
Education
Job description
This recruitment will remain open until it is filled
The Civil Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking a highly motivated attorney with a commitment to justice, integrity, compassion, leadership, and professionalism to join our office as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Involuntary Treatment Act Section. This is an excellent opportunity to develop expertise and gain negotiation and courtroom experience, particularly for attorneys passionate about behavioral health. If you seek enriching, meaningful work and a chance to serve your community while working as part of a dynamic team, this opportunity maybe for you.
- We exercise the power given to us by the people with fairness and humility.
- We serve our diverse community, support victims and families, and hold individuals accountable.
- We develop innovative and collaborative solutions for King County and the State of Washington.
Our office is composed of six divisions that are further organized into specialized units.
We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with race, equity, and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.
To learn more about the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO), please visit our website.
ITA DPAs represent local behavioral health facilities where patients are civilly committed. The DPA assigned to this position will work closely with behavioral health professionals from the hospitals, out-patient mental health providers, and civilian witnesses. The DPA will handle civil commitment behavioral health trials, hearings, and appeals under RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34. By working in this area, the assigned DPA will develop a strong understanding of how behavioral health illnesses affect behavior and a thorough knowledge of behavioral health treatment options. The assigned DPA will also have opportunities to train behavioral health professionals and patients' families about the ITA process.
Currently, ITA DPAs work under a hybrid model spending 50% of their time conducting in-person bench trials and 50% of their time working remotely on case preparation, negotiations, court orders, and responding to appeals. ITA cases that proceed to jury trial are commonly conducted virtually. However, ITA DPAs should be prepared to appear in person for jury trials if ordered by the court. ITA Court and PAO ITA offices are located at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. ITA DPAs also have office space located in the Columbia Tower in downtown Seattle.
- Previous litigation experience in criminal or civil cases.
- Potential for continued growth.
- Outstanding client relations and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrable enthusiasm, initiative, and an ability to successfully lead a team on complex matters.
- Outstanding analytical abilities.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to translate complex legal concepts into easily understandable language.
- Must have a strong commitment to RESJ, including ongoing development of personal cultural competency.
$92,770 - $153,722 annually commensurate with 0 - 10 years of experience.
- Columbia Center - 701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Ninth and Jefferson - 908 Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98104
- Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar.
- Must submit to a criminal history check.
Selene Poulsen (she/her)
Sr. Human Resources Analyst
spoulsen@kingcounty.gov
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.
Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
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