PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR III

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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 201 Baptist Street, Suite 26, Salisbury, Maryland 21801

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.  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.  Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

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.

All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multi-task, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state.

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, cell phone 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: 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.

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.

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 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.

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) 333-8134.