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 is seeking detail-oriented applicants with investigative and interviewing skills, as well as excellent communication and writing skills to fill Public Defender Investigator III positions in District 2 and District 3. 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 families’ 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.
GRADE
12
LOCATION OF POSITION
District 2: 201 Baptist Street, Suite 26, Salisbury, Maryland 21801
District 3: 300 Market Street, Suite 103, Denton, Maryland 21629
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. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.
POSITION DUTIES
* 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 may need to be created as a result of the investigations.
* There will be frequent 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.
* Appearance in court as a witness may also be required.
* Additional responsibilities can include researching and interviewing clients for daily bail reviews, entering case information and data in the office’s case management system, reviewing discovery, including, watching and documenting body worn camera footage and video surveillance.
* Serving and filing subpoenas.
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
Knowledge of criminal court procedures. Experience working in the criminal justice or court system, with mentally ill, detained or incarcerated persons, attorneys or medical professionals. Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. 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.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum 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. Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.
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
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications referred. 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.
