Indigent Defense Coordinator

Description Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary Under general supervision of the District Court Administrator, performs a wide variety of administrative duties for the District Courts and County Courts at Law of Hays County. The position ensures all records and processes for indigent defense are processed and maintained in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure’s guidelines and any developed by the Board of Judges implemented for timely appointment of counsel to defendants. Develops and implements procedures for effective and efficient indigent defense services.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Schedules all appointments of counsel (in and out of court) as the designee of the Judge or Judges and assists in the screening of indigent defense requests.
• Maintains the rotation default system on assigned counsel systems and monitors the frequency and reasons of exception for off list appointments.
• Maintains the changes in substitution of counsel requests.
• Reports summary of appointment data to Judges at least monthly.
• Manages the graduated list of court appointed attorneys for Judges and receives applications for advancements or adjustments as higher qualifications are met by attorneys.
• Monitors appointment list and attorneys’ completion of continuing legal education (CLE) to meet minimum requirements of local plan and Commission rules.
• Performs training for law enforcement, magistrates, local bar, and other stakeholders on indigent defense plan(s) adopted by courts.
• Develops procedures to track attorney contact with client, which includes tracking, investigating and reporting allegations of attorneys not meeting their clients within statutory or plan requirements.
• Implements indigent defense procedures approved by and for the District Courts and County Courts at Law as provided for by the Board of Judges, reporting directly to the Board of Judges and under the direct supervision of the District Court Administrator.
• Monitors all requests and applications for court appointed counsel to ensure they are received from the Magistrates timely, reviewed by the Judge and, if qualified, appointed counsel in a timely fashion.
• Monitors all Hays County inmates to ensure prompt access to court appointed attorney representation if they qualify
• Ensures compliance with the Fair Defense Act, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the Hays County Indigent Defense Plan and applicable laws and procedures adopted by the Board of Judges.
• Monitors and ensures out-of-county requests for court appointed attorney representation are promptly addressed.
• Monitors pay vouchers to ensure compliance with the Hays County Indigent Defense Plan and Fee Schedule and ensures required documentation is included on the pay vouchers for Judges approval for payment.
• Develops a collaborative process to ensure timely notification of requests for legal counsel from the Hays County Magistrates and the Sheriff’s Office.
• Receives and processes complaints concerning court appointed counsel.
• Reviews and analyzes the Hays County Indigent Defense Plan and procedures of the Board of Judges for changes in the law or changes as to pertinent case law.
• Works collaboratively with the Hays County Auditor’s Office in acquiring fiscal reports.
• Assures prompt notification to appropriate court and defense attorneys of all appointments, including information regarding special needs such as mental health, competency and language barrier issues, if known.
• Assists in verifying information on applications for court appointed attorneys and making sure the applications are fully completed before submission for approval.
• Maintains a working relationship with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Hays County District Clerk, Hays County Clerk and other facilities where inmates are housed.
• Any and all other tasks as assigned by the District Court Administrator and/or the Board of Judges.

Education and/or Experience Education and/or Experience

• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field/behavioral science field.
• Two years’ experience in criminal justice, court administration, legal work, or behavioral science field.
• Each additional year of required experience may be substituted for one year of the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work less than 30 hours per week over the course of a year, receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.