PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR III

State of Maryland - OPD District Operations • Full-time • MD, US • $52.35k - $82.57k / year • 1w ago

Introduction

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.

The Public Defender Investigator III, has frequent and daily contacts with witnesses, family members, associates of the client, and medical, social service and law enforcement personnel to obtain and verify information for the client’s case ,and appearance in court as a witness may also be required. Additional responsibilities will include: the use of technology to aid in the investigations, as well as conducting intake interviews daily at the office, jail, prison, detention center, hospital, and court settings.

The Public Defender Investigator III must be able to extract and organize data for use in case preparation and trial. The candidate for this position will be expected to review discovery, including watching, organizing, and preparing body-worn camera footage and video surveillance serving and filing subpoenas, assist clients with the OPD application processes, direct client communications to the assigned attorney, providing office coverage, assist the front desk with client walk-ins and phone calls, and enter data in our agency's case management system. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail-oriented applicants with investigative and interviewing skills, as well as excellent communication and writing skills to fill Public Defender Investigator III position located in Cecil County.

GRADE

ASTD12

Main Purpose of Job

The Public Defender Investigator III is the advanced level of work conducting investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct for the defense of persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Investigations are conducted to develop, gather, or verify information for the defense of arrested and/or accused persons. The Public Defender Investigator III interviews clients to obtain their version of the alleged offense, to develop leads, and to gather information and evidence for the defense’s case. Written reports will need to be created as a result of the investigations.

POSITION DUTIES

The Public Defender Investigator III conducts investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct for the defense of persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender. The work includes performing field investigations which involve significant client contact with indigent defendants, their family members and witnesses. Field investigations and subpoena service are performed at various locations to include crime scenes, detention centers, prisons, private residences and places of employment.

Travel to locate and interview clients and witnesses is required. Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check. The Public Defender Investigator III is also responsible for interviewing clients at various settings to obtain background (medical, mental health, drug/alcohol, and criminal history) and financial information to determine eligibility for services, in accordance with OPD intake guidelines, for in-house, commissioner, or supplementary commissioner applications. Interview clients to fill out the client information form and gather information relevant to a case. Direct Client messages, concerns, and phone calls to the attorney or the appropriate staff member. Obtains trial dates, statements of charges, docket entries, income verification documents, witness information, and client statements for inclusion in the case file and case file management system. Assemble and prepare case files with the defendant's background information, charging documents, witness information, client statement, and other relevant case information for use by attorneys.

Creating a matter ID and uploading all pertinent information into our case management systems. All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multi-task, and travel to various courthouses and office environments throughout the state.

MOPD is further committed to providing equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; they are able to perform the essential functions of the position in question and/or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer, cell phone and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503, tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of experience investigating alleged criminal offenses for the purpose of developing and documenting factual information to be used in criminal trials or one year of experience interviewing patients for the purpose of obtaining and documenting factual information concerning medical history or any combination of these types of experience equaling one year.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience developing and documenting factual information for use in legal proceedings or experience interviewing persons for the purpose of determining eligibility for legal assistance programs on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours, including 12 credit hours in mental health or medical disciplines or 12 credit hours in criminology or law enforcement from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Criminal Investigation classifications or Criminal Investigation specialty codes in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required general experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and/or experience with criminal court procedures

Experience working in the criminal justice or court system, with detained persons, attorneys and/or medical professionals

Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families

High proficiency with technology to include compiling and synthesizing large volumes of data

Experience testifying in court

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. This list will be used by the hiring agency to select employees. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134. Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.