Director of Training
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Human Resources
Posted on November 7, 2024
Salary
$165,493.54 - $209,772.78 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Appointed
Job Number
2024JQ23162
Department
DPD - Dept of Public Defense
Opening Date
11/06/2024
Closing Date
12/6/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD), a well-funded and growing public defense office with over 480 employees, is seeking a highly skilled and committed Training Director to design and lead a comprehensive training program for new/lateral public defenders and attorneys transitioning into felony practice as well as develop standardized training materials for non-attorney staff. DPD is a dynamic department with teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, and over 200 attorneys representing clients in criminal, dependency, juvenile, and civil commitment matters. DPD also advocates for systemic and legislative changes to improve outcomes for our clients.
The successful candidate will be innovative and resourceful, with an ability to think creatively and move adeptly through the county's complex criminal legal system. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to establish and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships, and an ability to develop, lead, and motivate staff. They should also be aware of significant national trends in public defense.
DPD offers a unique opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of public defense in King County. The Training Director will join an organization committed to client advocacy within a department that sets a high standard in public defense. A successful candidate will be energized by the chance to create an impactful training program, equipping defenders with the skills and awareness to advocate skillfully for our clients.
The Department's Mission Statement
The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.
DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients' liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website .
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:
Requirements:
At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
King County offers great benefits, including a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
This opportunity is open to all qualified applicants. Persons interested in this position should submit the following information:
Rotations of work location and/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need.
Selection Process
We will review application materials based on clarity, completeness, and alignment with the required experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for this position. If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.
WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION:
The duties for this position will be a mix of onsite and telecommuting. Onsite and offsite work will be required as needed to fulfill the essential functions of the job. Onsite reporting requirements are determined by the departments operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
The work week is normally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, in all cases, this position is expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform the job. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
This position will be located in Seattle. DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:
Outside Work Policy for Attorneys will apply to employees, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.
Union Membership
This is an appointed position and is not represented by a union.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, this salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement and deferred compensation. For additional information, please review the detailed summary of benefits offered by King County.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
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.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
$165,493.54 - $209,772.78 Annually
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Appointed
Job Number
2024JQ23162
Department
DPD - Dept of Public Defense
Opening Date
11/06/2024
Closing Date
12/6/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Summary
The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD), a well-funded and growing public defense office with over 480 employees, is seeking a highly skilled and committed Training Director to design and lead a comprehensive training program for new/lateral public defenders and attorneys transitioning into felony practice as well as develop standardized training materials for non-attorney staff. DPD is a dynamic department with teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, and over 200 attorneys representing clients in criminal, dependency, juvenile, and civil commitment matters. DPD also advocates for systemic and legislative changes to improve outcomes for our clients.
The successful candidate will be innovative and resourceful, with an ability to think creatively and move adeptly through the county's complex criminal legal system. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to establish and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships, and an ability to develop, lead, and motivate staff. They should also be aware of significant national trends in public defense.
DPD offers a unique opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of public defense in King County. The Training Director will join an organization committed to client advocacy within a department that sets a high standard in public defense. A successful candidate will be energized by the chance to create an impactful training program, equipping defenders with the skills and awareness to advocate skillfully for our clients.
The Department's Mission Statement
The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.
DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients' liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website .
Job Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:
- With the support of DPD leadership and access to extensive department resources, develop and implement advanced, meticulously crafted training programs aimed at preparing public defenders for the complexities of today's criminal practice. This includes training programs for new and lateral attorneys and public defenders transitioning into felony practice.
- Tailor training for the unique demands of King County's criminal jurisdiction, emphasizing skills in advocacy, case preparation, and client-centered representation.
- Ensure that the curriculum thoroughly covers all essential areas of criminal practice in Washington State. This includes foundational best practices such as developing a strong and cohesive trial theory, conducting thorough investigations, effective jury selection techniques (e.g., de-selection methods and bias assessment), and conducting impactful and surgical cross-examinations. The curriculum should also address strategies for presenting opening statements, delivering persuasive closing arguments, and handling objections and evidentiary challenges with precision.
- Create standardized training materials for non-attorney staff.
- Evaluate overall education and training program development.
- Assess e-Learning opportunities and build e-Learning programs based on practice group needs.
- Manage all firm CLE compliance, tracking and reporting firmwide. Obtain state CLE accreditation in states most critical to firm compliance.
- Oversee attorney orientation, integration, and overall onboarding experience.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, or a combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job duties.
- Extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney and practice experience in Washington State or a jurisdiction with similar criminal jurisprudence.
- Demonstrated success in training and mentoring public defenders, with a deep understanding of best practices in criminal defense.
- An accomplished trial attorney with demonstrated effectiveness in jury trial advocacy.
- Expertise in Washington State criminal practice standards.
- Experience working with experts in varying fields.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills; a motivated self-starter who is eager to innovate and build a top-tier training program.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equity and a deep understanding of the criminal legal system's disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities. This awareness will be integrated into training, fostering advocacy that both recognizes systemic oppression and strengthens our ability to effectively represent our clients.
- Demonstrate commitment to public defense and a passion for preparing capable public defenders to deliver outstanding representation.
Supplemental Information
At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
King County offers great benefits, including a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
This opportunity is open to all qualified applicants. Persons interested in this position should submit the following information:
- A complete King County application (available at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs ).
- A cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense.
- A resume.
Rotations of work location and/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need.
Selection Process
We will review application materials based on clarity, completeness, and alignment with the required experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for this position. If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.
WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION:
The duties for this position will be a mix of onsite and telecommuting. Onsite and offsite work will be required as needed to fulfill the essential functions of the job. Onsite reporting requirements are determined by the departments operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
The work week is normally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, in all cases, this position is expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform the job. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
This position will be located in Seattle. DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:
- Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle
- Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle
- Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent
Outside Work Policy for Attorneys will apply to employees, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.
Union Membership
This is an appointed position and is not represented by a union.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, this salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement and deferred compensation. For additional information, please review the detailed summary of benefits offered by King County.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- 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
- 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal 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
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.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
