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ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST I

Contractual

Recruitment #18-001755-0026

Introduction

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, Post Conviction Defenders Division, 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 a Contractual Administrative Specialist I position in its Baltimore City office.  The Post Conviction Defenders Division is a specialized unit within the Office of the Public Defender, primarily representing incarcerated individuals on post conviction petitions in the Circuit Court in every jurisdiction in the State of Maryland. The Contractual Administrative Specialist I supports the attorneys in various ways, to include filing motions, reviewing court files, obtaining documents, issuing subpoenas, locating potential witnesses, conducting investigations and interviewing clients, witnesses and family members. The position will also be responsible for preparing and submitting reports of investigative findings and may be required to appear in court as a witness.  This position will involve client contact with indigent defendants and their families in the office, court, prisons and other settings.  Some travel to interview clients and witnesses is required.  Additional travel to courthouses in various locations may be necessary. This position will also include some standard office responsibilities.

GRADE

10

LOCATION OF POSITION

217 E. Redwood Street, #1020, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Administrative Specialist I is the intermediate level of administrative work supporting our attorneys by gathering documents, filing motions, conducting investigation and interviews in order to assist the attorney prepare the case for a hearing. There will be frequent contacts with people at all socioeconomic levels and in diverse occupational areas. Appearance in court as a witness may also be required. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

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

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.

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 (the 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 temporary/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) 333-8134.

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.




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