Senior Deputy State's Attorney

Salary : $3,384.80 Biweekly
Location : Rapid City, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01476
Department: States Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 02/24/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Position Description

Position Objective: A Senior Deputy State's Attorney performs the essential functions of a deputy state's attorney with the additional expectation of handling higher-level cases, as well as assisting administration with interviewing, training, and mentoring new or less-experienced attorneys in the criminal division. The general duties of the Senior Deputy State's Attorney are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County State's Attorney's Office. The Senior Deputy State's Attorney is to work collaboratively with law enforcement in enforcing the laws in the jurisdiction of Pennington County.
This position's duties are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County State's Attorney Office
Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make criminal charging decisions.
• Represent the State of South Dakota at all criminal court proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and writing, and motion preparation.
• Abide by all victims' rights and assisting victims through the criminal justice system. Meet with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Prepare law enforcement officers, witnesses and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Answer telephone calls from citizens and interested parties about criminal prosecutions.
• The Senior Deputy State's Attorney assigned to Circuit Court represents the State of South Dakota in the same manner as those assigned to Magistrate Court. In addition, these attorneys will represent the State in felony matters (crimes ranging in punishment from two years in the State Penitentiary to life imprisonment/death). These attorneys may also be called upon to assist with law enforcement investigations and search warrants, and to visit crime scenes. These attorneys are also responsible for the presentation of evidence and cases to the Pennington County Grand Jury.
• Train and mentor non-senior attorneys.
• Manage a caseload consisting of higher-level or more complex cases.
• Assist in office administration duties as requested.
• Assist in other departments or divisions as requested.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.
• Minimum of 3 years of prosecutorial experience or equivalent.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Must walk to the Pennington County Courthouse court appearances in all weather, carrying multiple files.
• Overtime hours may be required to adequately prepare for trials and complicated hearings.
• Some travel may be required for training, meetings, mental commitment hearings and appearances as needed in other jurisdictions.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance
Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Employee Assistance Program
Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
Retirement Plan
Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
Supplemental Insurance
AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
Paid Time Off
Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.

This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.