ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST I

The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants.  The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All.  Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission.

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail oriented applicants with investigative and interviewing skills, knowledge of legal terminology, forms and documents as well as excellent communication and writing skills to fill an Administrative Specialist I position in its Allegany County office.  The Administrative Specialist I conducts investigations and interviews clients, witnesses and family members to develop, gather and verify information for the defense of persons arrested or charged on criminal grounds.  The position will also be responsible for conducting legal research, preparing and submitting reports of investigative findings and may be required to appear in court as a witness.  This position involves significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention center and other settings.  Travel to locate and interview clients and witnesses is required.  Travel between offices and courthouses to pick up and deliver documents is required.

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248 N. Mechanic Street, Cumberland, Maryland  21502

The Administrative Specialist I is the intermediate level of administrative work performing legal research, preparing files on all cases drafting legal documents and filing in the court, assisting with pretrial preparation. The Administrative Specialist I, interviews the accused to obtain their side of the story, investigate allegations, follow through on leads, and utilize all available means in order to develop evidence for the defense. There are frequent daily contacts with persons at all social levels and in diverse occupational areas. Appearance in court as a witness may also be required. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

Education: Completion of 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university.

Experience: None

Notes:  

1. Candidates may substitute one year of experience in administrative or professional work for the required education, at the rate of one year of experience for 30 credit hours, for up to 60 credit hours of the required education.

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 education.

Knowledge of legal terminology, forms and documents.  Knowledge of criminal court procedures.  Experience using investigative programs such as CLEAR, Accurintor or other online investigative tools.  Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families.  Knowledge of conducting legal research.  Knowledge and experience using CJIS, JIS or other criminal justice/court systems.  Data entry experience. 

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification.  Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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) 767-8503, 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.