Job Code:
FLSA Status: Exempt
EEO-1 Code: 1.1 Executive/Sr. Officer and Managers
Salary Grade:
Division/Department: Municipal Court Unit/Administration
Reports to: Deputy Defender
Direct Reports: Assistant Chief, Municipal Court Unit, Rotating Supervisor, Attorneys, Investigators, Administrative Support Staff
Job Summary
The Chief of the Municipal Court Unit will be responsible for setting the vision of the Unit. The Chief’s focus will be on leading people, leading change, and communicating and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Chief will manage resources, establish goals and provide direction to the Municipal Court Unit; developing strategies that aim to promote the organization’s mission and voice and improve the delivery of service. The Chief will provide direct supervision and support to the Assistant Chief and Rotating supervisor and will oversee the day-to-day functions of the Unit and to ensure that all strategies, policies and procedures are implemented. The Chief is responsible for the supervision of Municipal Court Unit staff, and must understand the roles and responsibilities of all staff and have the ability to identify staffing needs and manage resources, particularly when addressing staff shortages and developing plans for long term staff needs.
In addition, as a member of the Executive leadership team, the Chief’s primary responsibility will be to interface with external stakeholders communicating the Association’s mission and vying for best representation practices.
This position has a term of five years, with an option to extend leadership responsibilities an additional two years after successful evaluation of supervisory practices, procedures and protocols.
Major Areas of Responsibility
Leadership
• Interface with external stakeholders to influence policy and best practices
• Communicate the Defender Association mission and values, articulating the goals and objectives in a manner that encourages and fosters positive morale and a productive work environment
• Collaborate with Deputy and Adult Practice Chiefs to identify emerging trends and patterns and develop strategies and resolutions
• Collaborate with Social Services Department and Investigations to encourage intervention
• Collaborate with other Adult Practice Chiefs to develop an evaluation process to identify successful completion of attorney rotation and facilitate transition through the trial units
• Ability to assess departmental needs, develop short term plans for staff shortages and long-term (succession) plans for permanent staffing needs
• Develop case management practices
• Develop departmental procedures that align with the Defender mission and values and will establish the Municipal Court Unit’s infrastructure
• Supervise the Assistant Chief and Rotating Supervisor ensure that the Assistant Chief effectively implements all departmental strategies, practices and procedures
• Oversee day to day functions of the Municipal Court Unit, stay informed of resources, particularly relating to staffing needs, court scheduling concerns and staff changes due to implementation of strategies and plans
Training and Development
• Develop new procedures and protocols that will establish departmental efficiency and enhance the professional development of the unit’s staff
• Participate in relevant new attorney training for direct reports and Association employees
• Conduct departmental programs (case discussions, etc.) to identify areas of concern that may require additional training to ensure continuous growth and development
Qualifications
Education:
Law Degree required
Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania and be in good standing with the ABA
The Defender Association has an immediate opening for a Chief and Assistant Chief of the Municipal Court Unit. Job descriptions are attached for your review. When applying, please indicate on your resume and cover letter, the position you are applying for.
Managerial Levels
These positions are mid-level management. Mid-level managers are responsible for carrying out the goals set by the Executive Leadership Team, as well as supervising and managing all members of staff. This is accomplished by setting department goals and motivating supervisors and employees to achieve the goals of the Defender Association. At this level, managers are expected to offer suggestions and feedback to the Executive Leadership Team. Since mid-level managers are more involved in the day-to-day practices of attorneys and staff, they should provide valuable information to the Executive Leadership Team to help improve the delivery of services.
Candidates who would like to apply and be considered for either of these positions should possess the following demonstrated skills and abilities:
Technical skills: The ability to understand our service delivery practice and protocols and direct and evaluate employees
Interpersonal skills: The ability to interact effectively with organizational members and communicate effectively with the Executive Management Team, departmental employees and external stakeholders
Conceptual skills: The ability to see the organization as a whole, understanding the “big picture” so as to assist in the development of team structures and organizational development
Diagnostic skills: The ability to investigate problems, identify remedies and implement effective solutions
Education: Law Degree required
Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania and be in good standing with the ABA
Experience:
• 5 years criminal defense litigation experience, preferred
• 5 years of public defender experience, preferred
• Jury trial experience, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and manage public defense programs and service-delivery strategies, preferred
• Experience managing attorneys, working in a teamwork environment, facilitating goals and accomplishments utilizing a collaborative and inclusive approach, preferred
• Ability to measure and evaluate work processes to achieve the Association’s mission; experience redesigning processes as needed using the best methods and technology to meet and exceed the Association’s needs; using appropriate methods to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and measure impact is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to establish working relationships with court personnel is required
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Send cover letter and resume to: Sherri Darden, Defender Association of Philadelphia, 1441 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102; or email to [email protected].
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