The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City with the highest caliber legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors, playing a leading role in criminal justice reform, advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California.
Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide.
We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact.
Description
The Diversion, Outreach and Restorative Justice Division (DORJD) includes a neighborhood-focused array of restorative justice and diversionary programs seeking to address the root causes of criminal behavior and achieve incarceration reduction, as well as developing new programs at the direction of the City Attorney and the Chief of the Criminal Branch. The Hearings Program is a pre-filing, diversion type program which operates as an alternative to criminal prosecution. Established in 1974, Hearings is the longest running program in the Office’s history.
Duties and Responsibilities
A Hearing Officer conducts office hearings with parties involved in misdemeanor and infraction cases, including domestic violence, child abuse, criminal threats, truancy, restraining order violations, trespassing, theft, neighborhood disputes, building and safety code violations and other offenses. This position will be accountable for all Hearing Officer responsibilities, including: conducting hearings with parties on matters that may not warrant criminal prosecution and might be better handled in an alternative manner. The hearing officer may also ascertain facts from other witnesses; seek compliance with state laws and municipal codes to avoid the necessity of criminal prosecution; develop alternative resolutions for cases not warranting criminal prosecution; reviewing information gained at the hearing to inform appropriate disposition, timely preparation of reports on the results of the hearings; maintaining caseload information by entering case dispositions and other notes into the Office’s case database; and other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Knowledge of criminal law, court documents and procedures.
Experience in counseling, social or community service, dispute resolution or law enforcement.
The hours for this position are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, subject to operational needs.
Frequently lifts and/or moves boxes weighing up to 25 lbs.
Desired Qualifications
Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney Hearings frequently involve highly emotional allegations of criminal conduct and sensitive issues.
A Hearing Officer must be able to remain objective, elicit necessary and accurate information from hearing participants, analyze conflicting statements and assess participant’s credibility.
Demonstrated ability to write clear and concise reports, and maintain control under stressful conditions.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to adapt to changing situations as necessary.
Hearing Officers should be prepared and expect to conduct hearings in all areas required.
The job requires a willingness to work with others and a strong work ethic.
Applicants must be proficient in the operation of office computer equipment.
Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.
