Do you want satisfying work with a mission? Join the Federal Public Defender in supporting the best defense that money can’t buy. The Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon is seeking a full time CJA Panel Administrator to ensure indigent defendants in federal criminal matters receive high quality and efficient representation.
The CJA Panel Administrator works closely with the CJA Panel, the Federal Public Defender, CJA Resource Counsel, and the CJA Panel Office to administer the Criminal Justice Act for the District of Oregon. The position requires expertise in analyzing and managing data, the ability to learn and apply federal regulations and guidelines, and a commitment to confidentiality. The successful candidate will be a highly organized, team-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Duties:
• Interpret and apply CJA Guidelines and federal travel regulations, the Guide to Judiciary Policy, circuit and district CJA policies and procedures, and local court rules.
• Coordinate efficient payment workflows. Verify accuracy of compensation claims and conformity to CJA and judiciary guidelines.
• Maintain district CJA payment database program and implement updates.
• Gather case information, contact attorneys on the CJA Panel to determine availability for appointment, and maintain a record of attorney acceptance and conflicts.
• Draft and process documents necessary to secure court-appointed counsel, and enter case data in CJA payment system. Check docket to verify dates of appointment, relief of court-appointed attorneys, and substitution of retained attorneys.
• Maintain records on case assignments, panel attorneys, and other CJA-related matters to ensure efficient appointment of counsel and proper apportionment of cases. Track status of the district’s CJA case load.
• Monitor status of cases, analyze CJA data, and prepare reports to assist with program administration and budgets.
• Compile and maintain lists of various court experts, such as interpreters, psychiatrists, investigators, and other experts.
• Maintain applications submitted by prospective panel members and assist in review process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
• A demonstrated commitment to and comfort with working with diverse communities.
• Commitment to criminal defense, civil rights, and/or social justice.
• Ability to develop full knowledge of and interpret CJA Guidelines and federal travel regulations, the Guide to Judiciary Policy, circuit and district CJA policies and procedures, and local court rules.
• A positive work ethic, a reputation for personal and professional integrity, ability to maintain confidentiality at all times, and an ability to work well with the CJA Panel, the Federal Public Defender, CJA Resource Counsel, and the CJA Panel Office.
• Fluency in word processing, spreadsheet, and basic database programs, including Word, Excel, and Adobe.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, maintain orderly flows of information, and prioritize tasks.
• Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent; however, a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Applicants must also have four years of relevant experience, one of which must include financial management, bookkeeping, or accounting, preferably in a legal environment. Relevant bachelor’s or advanced degrees may be eligible for substitution for up to two years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Fluency in complex databases, billing and timekeeping programs, and PACER and CM/ECF.
• Knowledge of federal criminal law.
Interested applicants should email a letter of interest that includes a description of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities; a resume; and three references in .pdf format to the attention of:
Travis Southworth-Neumeyer, Personnel Administrator
[email protected]
Subject: CJA Administrator — Portland
Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed starting March 1, and then as they are received. All responses will remain confidential. Only candidates in consideration for this position will be contacted.