Under general direction of the District Attorney, assists the District Attorney in the administration and management of all functions of the District Attorney’s Office; acts for the District Attorney in his/her absence; assists in the formulation and implementation of office policy; directs the activities of the District Attorney’s Office; and performs other legal and administrative work as required.

This single position class functions as the assistant department head. The Chief Assistant District Attorney is appointed by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney. This position, in consultation with the District Attorney, administers and manages the District Attorney’s Office. The incumbent assists the District Attorney with the planning, development, and implementation of office policies and procedures; administration and oversight of departmental programs and special projects; oversight of departmental budgets and all spending and staffing considerations; and management of departmental personnel matters including hiring of staff, staff development and training and disciplinary issues.

This class is distinguished from the next higher class of District Attorney in that the latter class is an elected, department head level position responsible for the overall administration of the department.

This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Assistant District Attorney is that the latter class has responsibility for the management of a particular unit within the department organization.

• Assists the District Attorney with the planning, directing and management of all major activities and functions of the District Attorney’s Office.

• Develops and implements legal and administrative policies and procedures for the Criminal and Family Support Divisions.

• Supervises the preparation of department budgets; manages and monitors department personnel costs and line item and fixed asset expenses.

• Provides guidance and direction to supervisors concerning interviewing, hiring, and training of staff and disciplinary issues.

• Consults with other criminal justice agencies including law enforcement, the courts, probation, defense counsel and corrections, to insure the efficient functioning of the criminal justice system.

• Consults and coordinates with other County departments to insure that both County and departmental goals are met.

• Represents the District Attorney before civic and professional groups as required; serves on various boards, steering committees and councils and attends meetings as needed; appears before the Board of Supervisors to represent the interests of the District Attorney’s Office, and interacts with other County management personnel on issues of mutual importance.

• Serves as the Acting District Attorney in the absence of the District Attorney.

• Meets with the media and responds to requests for information and comments on sensitive issues of public interest and concern.

• Identifies, manages and resolves unusual and/or sensitive issues and problems which effect the department.

• Provides guidance and effective leadership to department attorneys, investigators and staff.

License: Active membership in the State Bar of California

A combination of experience, education, and/or training which substantially demonstrates the following knowledges, skills and abilities:

• The duties, powers and limitations of the District Attorney’s Office

• California and federal substantive and procedural criminal law and criminal procedure

• Prosecutorial ethics

• The organization, powers and limitations of county government

• The principles and practices of supervision and training

• County budgeting procedures

• Law enforcement and investigative techniques

• Plan, direct and manage the operation of the District Attorney’s Office

• Interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to new and difficult legal problems

• Develop, direct and evaluate the implementation of departmental policies and procedures

• Provide direction and act as a resource to legal and management staff

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing

• Recognize and resolve problems of a sensitive or political nature

• Provide excellent public relations and courteous customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships

The knowledges, skills and abilities listed above may be acquired through various types of experiences, education or training, typically:

Experience: Five years experience as a trial attorney including one year of administrative and supervisory responsibilities.

As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to:

• Successfully complete a background investigation

• Possess a California class C driver license or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority

Class Code: 12A03 Bargaining Unit: Y

Established Date: August 1999 EEO Category: OA

Work Group: 01

Worker’s Comp. Code: 8810

NT Approved by:

12/23/99

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Date