STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

DCJ Deputy Assistant State's Attorney

Recruitment #221117-2609DP-001

Introduction

                                           
The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all criminal matters in the State of Connecticut. It is an independent agency of the executive branch of state government, established under the Constitution of the State of Connecticut. The Division of Criminal Justice is comprised of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney, located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and the Offices of the State's Attorneys for each of the thirteen Judicial Districts in the State of Connecticut.  Within the DCJ, the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney houses a number of specialized units, including Housing Matters. 

We are recruiting for a full-time, forty (40) hours per week, DCJ Deputy Assistant State's Attorney for Criminal Housing Matters in the Danbury, Fairfield, and Stamford Judicial Districts and will all so have some duties as required at GA #02 in Bridgeport and is located in Bridgeport.  Significant travel is required throughout the assigned Judicial Districts.  

This position has core hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  NOTE:  Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable negotiated bargaining agreement.

The selected candidate should have a commitment to the maintenance of decent, safe and sanitary housing and shall handle housing matters on a full-time basis, while also handling criminal matters in GA 02 as time permits.  The selected candidate will handle all prosecutions of housing matters deemed to be criminal and will represent the interests of the state in prosecuting assigned violations of any state or municipal housing or health law, code or ordinance concerning housing matters.

NOTE:  Minimum qualifications require membership in the Connecticut Bar and residency in the State of Connecticut.

Selection Plan

NOTE:  Individuals invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualifications for this position. These documents may include writing samples, performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.  Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position, such as a resume, performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

All communication with applicants will be through the JobAps system, so applicants are encouraged to check for updates to their JobAps portal account.  Please ensure that you are utilizing the correct email address for notices to be sent to you from the JobAps system.  Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DCJ.HR@ct.gov.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DCJ.HR@ct.gov, 860-258-5800.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Division of Criminal Justice, this class is accountable for receiving training and representing the interests of the state in prosecution of assigned criminal and motor vehicle cases and infractions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Reviews all documentation relative to assigned criminal cases and infractions and directs supplemental or further investigation; prepares cases for arraignment, selecting appropriate charges, preparing original statement of facts; reviews outstanding defense motions and prepares responses or objections as appropriate; interviews witnesses and victims; evaluates strengths and weaknesses of case in light of above findings; initiates and completes related legal research; responsible for plea negotiation with defense attorneys; conducts pre-trial conferences; conducts jury selection; tries cases before juries, three-judge panels, single judge or magistrate; may prepare appellate material for submission to Chief State's Attorney's Office after conviction; reviews applications for arrest warrants and - upon approval - signs and presents to presiding judge for final review and signature; may review applications for search and seizure warrants; maintains liaison with and functions as resource to state and local police; advises victims of crimes as to their rights and directs them to the appropriate supportive agencies; defends petitions of habeas corpus including preparation of pleadings, argument of motions, and trial of action; if a member of the Appellate Unit, defends appeals brought by convicted defendants before the Appellate Court and Supreme Court; performs related duties as required.

Criminal Housing Matters Prosecutor
Responsibilities as a criminal housing matters prosecutor requires independently handling, on a full time basis,  actions involving one or more violations of any state or municipal health, housing, building, electrical, plumbing, fire or sanitation code, including violations occurring in commercial properties, or of any other statute, ordinance or regulation concerned with the health, safety or welfare of any occupant of any housing; and all other actions of any nature concerning the health, safety or welfare of any occupant of any place used or intended for use as a place of human habitation if any such action arises from or is related to its occupancy or right of occupancy.  The incumbent will work directly with local code officials in reviewing reported violations and assisting in preparation of documentation for the initiation of prosecution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of criminal law and legal process, legal principles and practice; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant State and federal criminal law; knowledge of the statutory authority, operation and administration of the Division of Criminal Justice; considerable interpersonal skill; considerable negotiating skill, considerable trial and counseling skills; considerable oral and written communication skill; considerable ability to analyze legal problems, present statements of fact, law and argument; ability to write legal briefs and supporting documentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Membership in the Connecticut Bar and residency in the State of Connecticut.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:
  • Considerable knowledge of Landlord/Tenant Law and Summary Process
  • General knowledge of zoning, building health and safety codes and a general understanding of the enforcement of such codes and regulations on a local level
  • The ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other attorneys
  • Knowledge of general property law and foreclosures
  • Ability to work independently

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.