You will serve as Program Administrator for the Trumbull County office. You will manage core office operations and be responsible for developing office policy and procedures and for ensuring procedures are followed according to agency standards and guidelines. The Trumbull County Office provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney in the courts of Trumbull County (Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Court, and Municipal Court). The office has ten staff attorneys, two supervising attorneys, five core support staff, two investigators, and a social work assistant.  You will report to the Office Director and play a key role in ensuring we provide quality client representation.

You will work as part of the Trumbull County Office Leadership Team to develop and maintain a supportive and inclusive office culture, monitor compliance with applicable laws and statutes, develop and manage office processes, and supervise five core support staff members.

To be successful in the position, you will possess a high level of organization; the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment; a focus on the client and customer; experience and skill in managing compliance with professional standards and guidelines; and experience in managing office operations and leading employees. Criminal Justice and legal office experience are preferred but not necessary.

Job duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage office operations of Trumbull County Office of the Ohio Public Defender: monitor and follow legal procedures, court instructions, and agency/county office work rules; ensure procedures are followed according to standards and guidelines; train staff on office policies and procedures

• Work as part of the Trumbull County Office Leadership Team to develop and foster a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive office culture

• Assist the Managing Public Defender & OPD Executive Leadership in administering the Trumbull County Personal Service Contract Program

• Assist the Office Director with formulating the office budget needs: determine if equipment, transcripts and supplies are needed; order office supplies and keep local records of inventory; troubleshoot office equipment & escalate concerns to appropriate central office staff

• Act as a liaison between attorneys and courts; distribute cases to appropriate staff and contract attorneys; and monitor progress

• Prepare and submit requests to central office for expert & interpreter contracts; communicate with office attorneys regarding case and client needs; prepare paperwork according to agency fiscal and procurement policies; assist in researching & contacting potential vendors; gather and process invoices according to procedures

• Attend agency leadership meetings and communicate relevant information to office staff

• Directly supervise staff: work with employees to set performance goals and coach them to develop performance; conduct regular 1:1 meetings; conduct regular team meetings; complete timely performance evaluations, approve work schedules, identify and/or approve training opportunities, approve work and leave time for payroll purposes, and carry out other administrative tasks, potentially including the initiation of disciplinary actions

• Provide secretarial assistance in legal environment: prepare and proof standard documents requiring use of legal terminology, proper legal citation methods, and legal writing style; proofread final material for accuracy and completeness; record and file discovery materials; perform conflict checks; record and file court documents as requested; screen calls and visitors for attorneys and other personnel; keep attorneys abreast of hearings & court filing deadlines; sort & distribute mail; prepare outgoing mail; schedule hearings & meetings; prepare & mail notices. During staffing shortages may be required to answer phone calls, greet clients, and be present in jails and courts to sign up and qualify potential clients.

The Program Administrator 1 Position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-1 Pay Range 10, presented below in table format. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 180 days and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well.

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or [email protected].

36 mos. trg. or 36 mos. exp. in business administration, management science or public administration. If assigned to operate vehicles regulated by Section 4506.01 of Revised Code, applicants must also have valid commercial driver's license. 

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in business administration, management science or public administration; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in supervisory, administrative &/or managerial position which involved limited research & public contact. If assigned to operate vehicles regulated by Section 4506.01 of Revised Code, applicants must also have valid commercial driver's license. 

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in academic field commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in supervisory, administrative, managerial &/or staff position which involved limited research & public contact. If assigned to operate vehicles regulated by Section 4506.01 of Revised Code, applicants must also have valid commercial driver's license. 

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above. 

Job Skills: Program Management; Attention to Detail; Coaching; Customer Focus; Leading Others; Organizing and Planning