Investigator

Colorado State Public Defender Job

Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.

This position describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations specific to the organization and relevant techniques, methods and/or theories of the profession. Positions work under direct supervision, to include regular guidance, review and oversight by supervisors and more experienced staff, while learning fundamental skills and technical aspects of the work. It is expected that employees will develop the necessary competencies to assume the duties and responsibilities at the Investigator II level. Positions should not remain in this class indefinitely.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learns procedures and develops skills in organizing and preparing case files to effectively manage assigned investigations.
• Learns procedures and develops skills in preparing for the investigation and witness/victim interviews.
• Serves as a collaborative member of the defense team: Consults with attorneys on the theory of defense including applicable case law and potential ethical issues to establish a strategy for the investigation and interviews.
• Maintains regular and timely communications with attorneys to keep apprised as to the status of the case, court dates, witness information, and progress on the investigation; and, to seek clarification on investigation requests in order to prioritize and complete assigned tasks within appropriate timelines.
• Develops skills and practice habits to maintain thorough documentation of all aspects of work performed.
• Develops and maintains clear understanding of all ethical issues implicated in work performed, and consults with attorneys and managers as required.
• Develops skills in investigative techniques and methods for conducting fieldwork to collect client records; serve subpoenas; examine crime scenes; view physical evidence; conduct interviews; and, prepare reports of the interviews and fieldwork. Documents and verifies elements of the crime scene and evidence viewed. Applies established policies and procedures such as, obtaining signed releases from the client; obtaining records at a minimal cost; and documenting records received.
• Maintains and utilizes tools and equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, standard computer and office equipment, measurement tools, and maps.
• Provides trial and hearing support: Assists in preparing exhibits for trial or sentencing. Ensures appropriate clothing is available for the client. Coordinates witness appearances including providing updates on trial status and court dates and assisting with travel arrangements, as needed. Develops a working knowledge of courtroom procedures. Assists in sentencing preparation by researching treatment placement options and coordinating with probation services as needed.
• Learns mandated cost procedures and State Office policy and procedures to accurately process and submit applicable forms and paperwork.
• Learns and applies appropriate skills necessary in testifying accurately and truthfully on behalf of the defense.
• Performs post-trial tasks such as following up with witnesses after testifying, canvassing the jury for their impressions, and returning client clothing to family members as requested by the attorneys.
• Organizes daily activities to effectively manage time and resources, including the performance of work that falls outside normal business hours.
• Frequent travel within and occasionally outside the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel.
• Assists other regional offices in conducting investigations, as assigned.
• Attends meetings and trainings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimal Educational / Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelors' degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, social sciences, psychology, criminology, legal studies, political science, international relations, public relations, or communications
• Must have demonstrated written and oral communications skills

Substitution:

Four years of equivalent training or relevant experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the duties at this level may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Spanish Speaking- Intermediate level and above

Conditions of Employment:

• Upon hire and for the duration of employment, must be a Colorado resident
• Valid driver's license, proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle.
• Due to the nature of this role, candidates with felony convictions are not eligible for this role

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Knowledge of English language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
• Knowledge of standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, internet browsers and e-mail.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

• Strong client facing service focus
• Ability to maintain client and office confidentiality;
• Ability to complete multiple tasks and assignments with frequent interruptions;
• Standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers and e-mail;
• Ability to learn and utilize Adobe Acrobat;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, court personnel, clients and client families, and public from diverse backgrounds;
• Operation of common office tools and equipment such as calculators, desktop computers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines;
• Effective communication, verbal and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information; includes receiving work direction.

Physical Requirements:

Employees must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

• Occasionally required to stoop and kneel;
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
• Talking and hearing;
• Reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers.