PUBLIC DEFENDER INTAKE SPECIALIST I

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.

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191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850

The Public Defender Intake Specialist I is the first interaction clients have with the Office of the Public Defender. Professionalism and people skills are a must. Intake Specialists are responsible for the creation of the file for the attorney and filing generic motions with the court. Additionally, you will answer phones, enter data and interview clients for information relevant to case files and to determine eligibility for representation by the Office of the Public Defender. Intake Specialist I will also help keep up with organization of case files. Employees in this classification do not supervise.

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detailed oriented applicants with customer service and data entry skills for full-time, entry level, Public Defender Intake Specialist I. The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment in the Rockville, Maryland office. Public Defender Intake Specialist I, interviews defendants to obtain background and financial information to determine eligibility for public defender services. Application information is obtained from defendants and their families in our office, and the detention center. Applicants must be able to obtain a security clearance to enter the local detention facility to conduct interviews. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Intake Specialists interview clients requesting public defender representation for trials and bail hearings. Significant client contact is required to provide and gather information for case file preparation and attorney assistance. Data entry of case information is required in this position.

All applicants must be able to communicate 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 throughout the state.

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

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

Experience: Six months of experience interviewing persons for the purpose of obtaining and verifying background or financial information.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience interviewing persons for the purpose of obtaining background or financial information on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute 60 credit hours 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 Compliance Inspection and Support classifications or Compliance Inspection and Support specialty codes in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Proficiency in data entry, strong communication skills and experience working in a fast-paced retail or office environment.  Customer service experience and a strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. Must be able to obtain a security clearance to enter into the local detention facility to conduct interviews.

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.

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. 

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.

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) 767-8500, 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.

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. 

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.