Job Opening: Chief, Mental Health Unit
Department: Office of the Public Defender
Posting Date: November 29, 2022
Salary: $110,000/annual
Shift: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, additional hours as necessary
The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The office employs over roughly 55 attorneys and staff to provide zealous advocacy for our clients. The office represents several thousand clients each year in the District Justice Courts, the Court of Common Pleas and the Appellate Courts of Pennsylvania.
Under the general oversight of the Public Defender and First Assistant, the Chief of the Mental Health Unit is responsible for supervising representation in cases where the client is diagnosed with mental health disorders, traumatic brain injury or intellectual disability in the Delaware County Magisterial District Courts and Court of Common Pleas. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
Supervision of all cases where our clients are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury or intellectual disability to ensure that Office of the Public Defender clients receive quality legal representation in all aspects of their case(s);
Training and supervision of all Assistant Public Defenders on all aspects of representing clients diagnosed with mental health disorders, traumatic brain injury or intellectual disability
Training and supervision of support staff involved in the legal representation of clients with mental health disorders, traumatic brain injury or intellectual disability including social service advocates, mitigators, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff;
Developing and engaging in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client;
Representing and supervising the representation of clients in criminal and civil court proceedings for clients diagnosed with mental health disorders, traumatic brain injury or intellectual disability
Working to advocate for structural change and adherence to national and statewide best practices that will benefit the interest of public defender clients;
Handle a caseload;
Perform related work at the request of the Defender or First Assistant, when necessary;
Licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the ability to gain admission to the Pennsylvania Bar via reciprocity
A minimum of 8 years’ experience in criminal cases
Extensive criminal litigation experience including motions practice, jury trials, bench trials, sentencing and post sentence motions. Strong preference an attorney with experience litigating issues involving the Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act.
Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to indigent defense preferred
A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload
Strong relationship-building skills
To apply, please fill out our online application form.