ATTORNEY - CONSENT DECREE COMPLIANCE (SR STAFF ATTORNEY)

Attorney - Consent Decree Compliance Build your future. Serve your community. Join FCSO.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Attorney for Consent Decree Compliance serves as a legal advisor to the Sheriff's Office on all matters related to detention facilities operating under a federal consent decree. This role focuses on ensuring that jail policies, practices, and operational systems comply with constitutional standards, federal mandates, and best practices in detention management. The Attorney works closely with command staff, detention leadership, federal monitors, the U.S. Department of Justice, and county officials to drive sustainable reform, reduce legal exposure, and support safe, humane, and lawful jail operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Consent Decree Compliance – Jail Operations Interpret and apply the requirements of the federal consent decree as they relate to jail conditions, inmate rights, medical and mental health care, use of force in detention settings, staffing, and facility operations. Serve as a primary point of contact for the federal monitoring team and the U.S. Department of Justice on jail-related compliance issues. Review monitoring reports, audits, and data to identify compliance gaps and advise leadership on corrective actions. Draft, revise, and review jail policies and procedures to ensure alignment with consent decree mandates and constitutional standards. Support the development and tracking of compliance metrics, corrective action plans, and implementation timelines. Legal Counsel for Jail Operations Provide legal advice on issues including inmate rights, conditions of confinement, PREA compliance, IDEA compliance, medical and mental health obligations, disability accommodations, use of force, grievance systems, and disciplinary processes. Conduct legal research and prepare written opinions, guidance documents, and risk assessments for detention leadership. Advise on matters involving inmate litigation, civil rights claims, habeas petitions, and federal or state investigations. Assist in responding to subpoenas, discovery requests, and litigation involving jail operations, coordinating with county attorneys or outside counsel as needed. Policy Development & Operational Review Lead or support the creation and legal review of jail policies, post orders, operational directives, and training materials. Ensure policies reflect best practices in detention operations, including suicide prevention, medical care, segregation practices, emergency response, and use-of-force protocols. Collaborate with detention command staff, medical and mental health providers, and training personnel to ensure policies are both legally sound and operationally feasible. Training & Staff Education Develop and deliver legal training to detention officers, supervisors, medical staff, and command personnel on topics such as constitutional standards, inmate rights, use of force, ADA requirements, and consent decree obligations. Provide ongoing legal updates to ensure staff remain informed about relevant case law, regulatory changes, and compliance expectations. Support scenario-based training and tabletop exercises to reinforce lawful and effective jail operations. Oversight, Accountability & Internal Investigations Provide legal guidance to internal affairs, professional standards, and jail oversight units regarding investigations involving detention staff or incidents within the jail. Review investigative files, findings, and disciplinary recommendations for legal sufficiency and compliance with consent decree standards. Support the development and refinement of accountability systems, including early intervention tools, incident tracking, and data-driven oversight mechanisms. Interagency & Stakeholder Coordination Maintain effective working relationships with federal monitors, DOJ attorneys, county officials, medical and mental health contractors, and community stakeholders. Participate in compliance meetings, operational reviews, and public briefings related to jail reform efforts. Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and communications that accurately reflect the agency's progress toward compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active license to practice law in Georgia, or eligibility for admission. Experience with federal consent decrees, civil rights litigation, institutional reform, correctional law, or government compliance. Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance for operational staff. Ability to work effectively with FCSO leadership, compliance professionals, and external oversight entities. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a reform-focused environment. Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical public service. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with the U.S. Department of Justice or court-appointed monitors. Familiarity with jail operations, correctional standards, or large-scale institutional reform. Experience supporting compliance monitoring, data reporting, or performance auditing. Strong understanding of constitutional standards governing jail operations, including Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment requirements. Familiarity with correctional practices, inmate medical and mental health care standards, PREA, IDEA, ADA, and use-of-force principles in detention settings.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume, and any relevant certifications/licenses through the county's online application portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. GovernmentJobs.com