Introduction
As a State agency, 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.
All applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments in the jurisdiction MOPD is further committed to providing equal 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; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer 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
The Office of the Public Defender is seeking an individual to fill a full-time Administrative Specialist I position in the Parental Defense Division, with an office based in Montgomery County. This position supports six attorneys who represent Montgomery county parents and guardians whose children are removed by the government. The applicant must be detail- oriented with excellent communications skills, and exceptional organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The applicant must be highly proficient in computer- based data collection including filing in Maryland’s electronic court system (MDEC), and organizing and updating the confidential Public Defender electronic filing system on individual clients. The applicant must also be highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook., pulling Murdock database files. The applicant will be responsible for sorting case files, downloading discovery, answering phones, drafting letters, and other office duties. This position involves significant client contact with clients who have experienced and are experiencing trauma. There will also be contact with clients who may be suffering from a mental health issue, substance use disorder, poverty, and other circumstances. This position will be required to interact with clients and their families in the office, court, and, occasionally, detention centers, state prison, or hospital. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of and interest in trauma-informed service for clients is a plus.
GRADE
10
LOCATION OF POSITION
191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850
Main Purpose of Job
An Administrative Specialist I is the advanced level of administrative worker requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies. Employees are assigned administrative responsibilities involving the department of solutions and alternative to administrative problems and the resolution of administrative issues. Employees in this class may supervise assigned technical and clerical personnel, including lower-level Administrative Specialists.
POSITION DUTIES
Manage database at the administrative facing level, tagging incidents, organizing and gathering data, coordinating with developer for bug fixes and suggesting changes and updates
*Assist Attorneys in preparing for trial
*Arrange for transcription service such as court reporting or accuscribe
*Visit Incarcerated Clients
*Burn BWC footage
*Assist OPD attorneys with entering data in OPD’s database, eDefender
*Collect and organize discovery
*Assist with filing
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Six months of experience performing administrative staff, clerical, clerical technical, or secretarial work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving staff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced database management experience is a plus. Working experience with legal research. Expertise with MS Word, advanced Excel and Google Sheets. Advanced knowledge of Pacer, Case search, Westlaw & Basic Legal programs. Licenses, Registrations and Certifications: Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.
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.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the 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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
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
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online Applications Preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.
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) 767-8497, 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.
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. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
