Description
GREENE COUNTY
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSTED DATE: 9/3/2026 CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED
POSITION: Public Defender
HOURS: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (1 hour unpaid lunch)
Extra hours as needed
LOCATION: Greene County Courthouse
SALARY: $73,957.73 - $89040.14/ Year
MGT Pay Grade 15 (Exempt Position)
BENEFITS: Health, Vision & Dental - First of month following date of hire
All Other Benefits - After 90-day probationary period
Excellent Time-Off Benefits
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:
Ensures efficient performance of legal responsibilities is furnished to any person who, for lack of sufficient funds, is unable to obtain legal counsel. Oversees and directs all legal and administrative functions within offices; serves as advisor to staff attorneys and other members in preparation and trial of assigned cases; supervises departments support personnel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:
1. Represents indigent persons charged with crimes within the County for which a sentence of incarceration may be imposed
2. Participates at all levels of the court proceedings including preliminary hearings, central court hearings, trials, and appellate proceedings; provides or ensures that effective representation is provided to all clients
3. Travels to SCI Greene and/or participates remotely for the representation of inmates on a consistent basis
4. Negotiates plea bargaining with District Attorney's
5. Coordinates with President Judge and staff
6. Coordinates with other Offices within the Courthouse
7. Maintains a constant professional decorum in the Courtroom
8. Assigns cases to assistant public defenders
9. Develops policies and procedures relating to the administrative functions and legal work of the department
10. Manages department annual budget and grants associated with the office
OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:
1. Utilizes computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform essential job functions.
2. Attends meetings as required.
3. Maintains confidentiality of office affairs.
4. Performs other related duties as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports directly to the Board of Commissioners
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
Directly supervises a professional and clerical staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the County's policies and applicable laws
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Works indoors with adequate office space, lighting, ventilation and temperatures.
2. Normal exposure to noise, disruptions and stress.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
4. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or aggressive behavior of clients.
5. Travels occasionally to obtain legal information for cases.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS:
1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching necessary to carry out duties of job.
3. Dexterity requirements range from coordinated movements of fingers/hands for computer work to simple dexterity of feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out duties of job.
4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.
5. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A.EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Requires a Juris Doctor Degree and a license to practice law in Pennsylvania. Requires five (5) to ten (10) years of practicing law in Pennsylvania. Must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. A thorough knowledge of the law, court system and legal proceedings is essential, as is the ability to perform legal research.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.
2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with co-workers and the general public.
4. Must possess thorough knowledge of word processing skills, modern office practices and procedures and equipment.
5. Must possess thorough knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic.
6. Must possess the knowledge and ability to do research in Courthouse Offices.
7. Must possess the ability to do legal research with LexisNexis.
8. Must possess the ability to exercise independent judgment on disposition of office. problems and the ability to exhibit individual initiative in carrying out assigned projects.
9. Must possess the ability to compose a variety of letters, memoranda and reports with only oral instructions.
10. Must possess the ability to maintain a variety of records and prepare complete and accurate reports.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested internal candidates should send a resume and cover letter to the Human Resources Department.
External candidates should complete an online application at www.greenecountypa.gov.
