Assistant Corporation Counsel

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Company: Polk County, WI

Location: Balsam Lake, WI 54810

Description:

Salary: $107,328.00 Annually

Location : Balsam Lake, WI

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202400806

Department: Corporate Counsel/Child Support

Opening Date: 07/24/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Summary: The Assistant Corporation Counsel is a professional, exempt, non-union supervisory position under the direction of the Corporation Counsel. The Assistant Corporation Counsel initiates and conducts legal proceedings and drafts legal documents including performance of appellate work when necessary. Primary areas of responsibility include child support, establishment of paternity, mental health, drug dependent and alcohol commitments, guardianships and protective placements, child in need of protection and services (C.H.I.P.S), termination of parental rights (T.P.R.), truancy (habitual under Wisconsin Statute 938 juvenile in need of protection and services (J.I.P.S.) and Polk County Ordinance 2-99 Citations) zoning, debt collection, administrative appeals (maltreatment substantiations, unemployment compensation, board of adjustment/zoning, etc.), and other civil legal matters. The Assistant Corporation Counsel provides legal services to various County departments and committees as directed by the Corporation Counsel.
Duties/Responsibilities

Essential Duties: The duties below represent the typical duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.
  • Researches applicable statutes, ordinances, case law and law treatises, drafts legal pleadings, conducts discovery, conducts research for and writes necessary legal briefs, interviews appropriate witnesses, appears at trial, appellate and administrative review hearings.
  • Provides legal services to the County Board, its committees, elected and appointed officials, departments and county employees with respect to official County business.
  • Reviews and drafts contracts and related documents involving the County.
  • Directly supervises Child Support Agency staff and operations.
  • Attends meetings of the County Board and its committees in the absence of the Corporation Counsel or when so directed by the Corporation Counsel.
  • Attends meetings of the Health and Human Services Committee, which serves as the policy advisory committee to the Child Support Agency.
  • Performs all of the duties of the Corporation Counsel the absence of the Corporation Counsel or when so designated by the Corporation Counsel.
  • Prepares ordinances and resolutions for the County Board as directed by the Corporation Counsel.
  • Assists the Corporation Counsel in the development and ongoing operation of the County Affirmative Action Programs to ensure compliance with E.E.O. Laws.
  • Investigates claims against the County, both administrative and legal.
  • Maintains the County's interest in all matters.
  • Performs other functions as needed and/or assigned by the Corporation Counsel.

  • Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises office staff and Child Support Supervisor in the absence of and at the direction of Corporation Counsel.
    Qualifications

    Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    Education/Experience:
  • Law Degree (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
  • License to practice law in good standing in Wisconsin.
  • Member in good standing with the State Bar of Wisconsin.
  • Preferred Experience:
  • 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney.
  • Previous experience representing a municipal/governmental entity.
  • Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform Essential Functions:
  • Knowledge of law in assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of general courtroom procedure.
  • Knowledge of State and Federal statutes pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of County programs and procedures.
  • Knowledge of child support program policy law and procedures.
  • Knowledge of civil procedure and rules of evidence.
  • Ability to present facts, recommendations and alternative courses of action effectively in oral and written form.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret statutes, ordinances and regulations.
  • Ability to identify legal issues.
  • Skilled in legal writing and research.
  • Maintain active license to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
  • Valid Wisconsin Driver's License.
  • Reliable motor vehicle.
  • Minimum automobile liability insurance as established by County Policy.
  • Competency Requirements:
    • Quality Customer Service and Community Relations - Anticipates and strives to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders (employees, contracted staff, residents, families, and other internal and external clientele). Delivers high-quality services; is committed to continuous improvement. Communicates/Interacts with members of the public and other key stakeholders in a way that elicits positive response and participation, which on occasion, may include interaction either one-on-one or with several stakeholders at one time to present information and/or represent the facility's interests.
    • Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct, maintains confidentially, and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
    • Accountability - Assumes responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives and delivering results; setting high standards of performance for self and others
    • Written and Verbal Communication Skills - Recognizes or uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
    • Interpersonal Relations - Develops and maintains effective relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations; shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness.
    • Judgment and Decision Making - Accurately assesses situations, seeks new information if necessary, and applies all available information to reach sound conclusions/formulate effective response. Requires little guidance for responding to a wide range of complex situations with far-reaching and/or enduring consequences.
    • Data Gathering and Analysis - Seeks or collects and synthesizes information from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective, unbiased manner to reach a conclusion, goal or judgment
    • Attention to Detail - Ensures information is complete and accurate; follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.

    Additional Information

    Work Environment
    Work is sedentary in nature performed within the Justice Center or satellite offices/other campus locations. About 50% of time includes verbal interaction with clients. Walking, hearing and using vision to research and revise documents is done about 70% of time. Lifting requirement is 15 - 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Wrist and finger manipulation due to filing, compiling, calculating, or computer work. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to: computer/tablet, scanner, printer, calculator, phone, copy and fax machine. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above, but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

    Personal Time Off (PTO)

    Extended Leave
    Accrual at the rate of five (5) days annually (cap 20 days)

    Holidays
    Nine (9) paid holidays per year

    Short-term Disability
    66 2/3% weekly wages from days 30-89, at cost to employee

    Term Life Insurance
    One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee
    Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children

    Retirement - WRS
    2024 rates for employees: 6.9%
    Employer portion: 6.9%

    Deferred Compensation
    Wisconsin Deferred Compensation - three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)

    Health Insurance
    Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hire
    Health Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from

    Other Insurances
    Dental, Vision, and Long-Term Disability

    Flexible Spending Account
    Administered through WEX
    (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)

    Employee Assistance Program
    Health Partners confidential counseling services

    Polk County values the health and well-being of our employees, offering tools and support for a healthy lifestyle. Employees selecting to participate in various programs and activities throughout the year may qualify for a monthly health insurance premium reduction. Other wellness opportunities for our staff include an abbreviated Fitness Center & 1/3 mile wooded walking trail at the Government Center. Additionally, our employees have an opportunity to earn an incentive during the year to qualify for a $55/month reduction in the following year's Polk County sponsored Health Insurance.

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