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.
All applicants must be able to effectively communicate with staff, clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. 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 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
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 Mental Health Division Anne Arundel
County office.
GRADE
ASTD12
LOCATION OF POSITION
7030 Dorsey Road, Suite 100
Hanover, MD 21076
Main Purpose of Job
The Public Defender Investigator III is the advanced
level of work conducting investigations in cases involving persons represented
by the Office of the Public Defender in involuntary civil commitment, Not
Criminally Responsible, and post-NCR commitment matters. Investigations are conducted to develop,
gather, or verify information to defend involuntarily hospitalized
individuals.
The Public Defender
Investigator III interviews clients to obtain information regarding their
medical and legal history, 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 investigation. There will be
frequent daily contact 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, social workers, medical
personnel, counselors, and housing providers; 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; and
serving and filing subpoenas. Employees
in these classifications do not supervise
POSITION DUTIES
The Public Defender Investigator III
conducts investigations in cases involving the involuntary commitment of
individuals to psychiatric hospitals. The work includes conducting
investigations that involve significant client contact with indigent clients who
have serious mental illnesses, their family members, and various mental health
clinicians. Field investigations and subpoena services are performed at
multiple locations, including private residences, places of employment,
hospitals, police departments, outpatient mental health treatment facilities,
and residential treatment facilities.
Travel to locate and interview clients
and witnesses is required. Some interviews may need to take place in
psychiatric hospitals. 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 complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. They must also be
able to multitask and travel to various courtrooms, hospitals, police
departments, and office environments throughout the state.
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 civil or administrative court
procedures. Experience working with mentally
ill individuals, detained or incarcerated persons, attorneys, or medical
professionals. Strong interest in
working with individuals with mental disabilities. 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 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 janynee.bailey-covington@maryland.gov; 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.
