PCAD Support Staff Chief in Portland, Oregon at Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc

MPD has been on the cutting edge of public defense since our inception in 1971. Formed as a non-profit law firm, MPD contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services. MPD was the first public defender organization under this system. MPD is the largest single provider of trial level public defense services in the state of Oregon, with offices in both Multnomah and Washington counties.

Join our dynamic team and a part of MPD’s commitment to being a leader in public defense which includes not just excellence in client representation but a strong commitment to hiring and developing a professional staff of defenders. For more information on MPD and our work visit: www.mpdlaw.com

MPD is currently searching for a Support Staff Chief to join our Parent | Child Advocacy Division (PCAD) in our Banfield Office. The PCAD Support Staff Chief is a management position that makes recommendations to the County PCAD Director on management and planning issues, including intra-division transfer of staff. The PCAD Support Staff Chief participates actively in the management meetings, including formulation and implementation of goals and objectives within the division in conjunction with the County PCAD Director and participates in office wide management team meetings.

The PCAD Support Chief oversees PCAD office operations and distribution of day-to-day office support functions, including office organization, office supply acquisition and in-office support functions. The PCAD Support Staff Chief also assists the County PCAD Director in assigning support staff within the division, to facilitate smooth office operations and the smooth handling of cases when staff changes occur to assure appropriate distribution of cases, especially during case transfers.

The PCAD Support Chief assures regular section meetings for administrative, case and office-related issues; assures that regular meetings are conducted by the individual teams within groups for case handling decisions; ensures support staff receive appropriate training and coaching; instills a sense of cooperation and identity within the section while maintaining a sense of allegiance to the office and the multi-team concept.

This position pays $68,449.00 - $86,415.00 per year. This is a full-time exempt (not eligible for overtime) position. In addition to compensation, MPD also offers:

• Medical (choice of PPO or HDHP), Dental (choice of PPO Standard or PPO Enhanced) and Vision – 100% employer paid for employee only coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Basic Life, STD, LTD and AD&D – 100% employer paid.
• 401(K) – MPD will contribute 6% of your annual salary with full vesting after the completion of 5 years of service.
• PTO – 24 hours upon hire and accrue monthly to 80 hours and increase up to 120 hours starting at 24 months.
• 10 paid holidays + 2 personal equity days.
• 4 Mental Health Days per year.
• Sick Leave – 48 hours upon hire and accrue monthly after the completion of 6 months.

Position Qualifications

• Monitor performance of new hires during evaluative period. Communicate areas of concern and establish and conduct monitored improvement programs with objectives and timelines and make recommendation to the County PCAD Director concerning future employee status decisions for staff in evaluative period.
• Monitor performance of employees in any stage of the progressive disciplinary process to include communicate areas of concern, establish and conduct monitored improvement programs with objectives and timelines.
• Take disciplinary action, as necessary, and make recommendations to the County PCAD Director for additional disciplinary action including termination.
• Assure regular section meetings for administrative, case and office-related issues; assure that regular meetings are conducted by the individual teams within groups for case handling decisions; instill a sense of cooperation and identity within the section while maintaining a sense of allegiance to the office and the multi-team concept.
• Arrange coverage for team members to cover absences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including projects related to office workflow oversight and direct attorney support on a reduced case load.

Position Preferences

• Ability to pass a background check to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed in preceding two years.) and to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Paralegal Certification or equivalent education or relevant work experience.
• Organizational skills related to calendaring, maintaining a timely flow of management related duties in addition to case responsibilities.
• Experience working in indigent defense a plus.

Work Environment:

• MPD fosters a work environment that is friendly, cooperative, and respectful.
• Work is generally sedentary, in an office setting, courthouse, field location or jail facility.
• There are frequent requirements for some physical activity such as carrying boxes of records weighing up to 10 pounds, stooping to extract records from files, or carrying and setting up display easels in court.

Application Process:

Apply by submitting a current resume and cover letter on why you are interested in this position and/or in public defense work at: MPD Jobs.

Diversity and Inclusion: At MPD, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for all our staff.

MPD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources in advance to request assistance.