Introduction
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.
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 position located in our Baltimore City Felony Office.
GRADE
ASTD12
LOCATION OF POSITION
201 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
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. 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 will 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 will include use of technology to aid in the investigations.
The ability to extract and organize data for use in case preparation and trial.
The candidate for this position will be expected to reviewing discovery,
including, watching, organizing and preparing and body worn camera footage and
video surveillance. Serving and filing subpoenas. Employees in these
classifications do not supervise.
POSITION DUTIES
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 family 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 courthouses 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
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 detained persons, attorneys and/or medical
professionals. Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and
their families. High proficiency with technology to include compiling and
synthesizing large volumes of data. 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 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 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 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. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
