Client Intake Assistant (Indigency Evaluator)

JOB LOCATION

14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring Salary: $24.06 - $30.07/hour

The deadline to submit an application for this position is Sunday, March 2, 2025. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is received.

This is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), where the selected candidate will work an average of 40 hours per week.  The selected candidate will be eligible to elect Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, accrue paid time off, and receive 11 paid holidays. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the Public Defender's Office is to provide effective and constitutional legal representation to indigent defendants facing charges in the Aurora Municipal Court that carry the possibility of jail. The Public Defender's Office is governed by the Public Defender Commission, who ensures that legal representation provided by the Public Defender is independent, effective, meets professional standards and is commensurate to that provided by privately retained criminal defense counsel.

This Client Intake Assistant is primarily responsible for ensuring that eligible individuals obtain access to counsel swiftly and through the Court’s public defender appointment process. This process requires consideration of the applicant’s household income, size and other financial information. In most cases, this information is first provided by an applicant to the Public Defender Client Intake Assistant who is then required to evaluate it for completeness and make a recommendation concerning eligibility. The Intake Assistant conducts intake and eligibility screening for a high volume of applicants and assists in preparation for cases that proceed to a full public defender application hearing when needed.

This position may be required to perform additional job duties at the direction of the Chief Public Defender or if delegated, another member of the Management team.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates a high level of compassion and commitment to serving individuals accused of low-level municipal (similar to misdemeanor) offenses; as well as those who suffer from circumstances associated with homelessness, lack of financial resources, recent release from custody, mental health conditions and/or medical disability.
• Receives potential clients in person and by phone for applications, schedules follow-up interviews concerning applications, and processes applications for Court.
• Relays accurate information to potential clients during intake process.
• Understand the Court’s process, current standing orders, and current Supreme Court Directives associated with Indigency Determination.
• Utilize available software and case management system to manage cases pending appointment
• Ensure cases are updated, legal filings are submitted timely, notes files properly and keeps time in Case Management System.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Court staff concerning the public defender application process
• Maintain respect for potential clients at all times
• Ensures that interactions are professional and confidential when appropriate.
• Coordinates the completion of applications for in custody individuals or others via email/video/phone follow up
• Assist and implement changes to keep process current and efficient
• Attend team meetings, o