Parents Counsel II (ADII)

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Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Division of Parents Counsel

Parents Counsel II - (AD II)

Portland, Maine

Opening Date : September 16, 2025

Closing Date : October 20, 2025

Job Class Code : 0622

Grade : 38

Salary : $71,843.20 - $101,587.20 / Annually

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services is seeking to fill one Parents Counsel II position in the Division of Parents' Counsel located in Portland. Some travel will be required.

PDS is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, efficient representation to indigent citizens who are entitled to counsel at state expense. The Parents Counsel II will work under the supervision of the Parent Counsel Division Chief and will share office space with the PDS Criminal Public Defender office in Portland. The ability to telework at times is available.

JOB DUTIES

The Parents Counsel II will represent parents whose children have been taken into custody, or are at risk of being taken into custody, by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The candidate must have compassion for indigent clients, many of whom are experiencing or have experienced trauma and barriers to services and support. The candidate must possess strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills; have the ability to analyze facts, laws, rules and regulations, and apply applicable law to the facts and situation; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute effective litigation strategies to achieve desired results; prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections; and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

The Parents Counsel II is expected to attend meetings between the Department and the client, assist the client access services and supports in furtherance of family reunification, file appropriate motions and pleadings, and try cases in District Court. The Parents Counsel II is expected to meet with and communicate regularly with the client and other approved parties. The Assistant Defender II position reports to the Parents Counsel Division Chief.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A juris doctor degree from an ABA approved school and licensed or have the ability to become licensed to practice law in the State of Maine. The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in indigent defense.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please apply online and submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references with your application.

For questions about this position, please contact Executive Director Ellie Maciag at eleanor.maciag@maine.com

Benefits of working for the State of Maine :

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including :

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note : Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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