Public Defender's Office - Investigator

General Summary

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Under the supervision of the Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender, provide investigative support to the attorneys individually on cases requiring document review, video and audio recordings, in person interviews and field investigation. Provide investigative support for the office regarding the processing of intake information for individuals prior to arraignment and assisting in the determination of eligibility of services.

Starting pay is dependent on an applicant's relevant experience.

Applications are accepted until there are sufficient numbers of qualified applications or a qualified candidate is identified. This position could close at any time.

Essential Functions

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Essential Functions

• Locate and interview witnesses, victims and clients in a timely manner.
  
• Deliver subpoenas to witnesses in a timely manner.
  
• As directed by the attorney, conducts surveillance of both stationary and mobile subjects in a covert manner.
  
• Coordinate with witnesses regarding court appearances in a timely manner.
  
• As directed by the attorney, type concise and accurate reports depicting all aspects of the progression of an investigation.
  
• Take direction from an attorney to follow the legal theory of the case and to support or refute that theory through careful and thorough assembling of pertinent and relevant evidentiary facts within their ability to locate, identity, corroborate, and report.
  
• Prepare professional photographs, diagrams, maps and trial exhibits to facilitate improved understanding of a case.
  
• Testify competently and professionally in court concerning findings of investigations.
  
• Develop leads and sources of information, primarily within the Mid-Michigan area.
  
• Perform assigned investigations and update case management software in a timely manner.
  
• Participate actively and appropriately in the zealous representation of clients and in client advocacy.
  
• Participate in team meetings for case review and discussion of office related issues.
  
• Obtain, analyze and disseminate pertinent records including court, medical, military, criminal and psychological; review presentence reports, prepare appropriate support documents.
  
• Arrange and coordinate necessary documents and compensation for civil compromises, as directed.
  
• Maintains daily contact with attorneys regarding case activity.
  
• Maintain availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participate in training programs (includes suggesting topics for in-house training).
  
• Updates and organizes files as required; maintains files and filing systems.
  
• Performs other related essential duties and special projects as required.
  
• Performs all job functions to maintain compliance with MIDC Grant.
  

Other Functions

• Maintain current knowledge of appropriate support functions.
  
• Maintain a professional demeanor within and outside the office.
  
• Must be able to work on site at the County Government Complex in Charlotte.
  

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

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Education: Associate’s Degree in criminal justice or related area or equivalent.

Experience: Five years of experience in police work or legal system involving investigations is preferred.

Other Requirements:

Ability to:

• Pass annual criminal background and driving record check.
  
• Observe, remember, recall and communicate details accurately and completely.
  
• Develop professional, accurate, and detailed reports and meet required deadlines.
  
• Work flexible hours including evenings, nights, and/or holidays as necessary, in order to contact witnesses and information sources.
  
• Access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities (may preclude employees and applicants arrested and jailed).
  
• Testify in court without impeachment (may preclude employees and applicants convicted of certain crimes within the prior 15 years).
  
• Travel to the courthouse or other criminal justice system facilities to see clients and witnesses, or to testify in court.
  
• Transport or arrange for the transportation of files, trial notebooks, evidence, exhibits, and other related materials to and from the courthouse and other criminal justice system facilities.
  
• Visually search, enter, edit computerized data.
  
• Maintain confidentiality of agency records.
  
• Deal effectively with people of widely divergent backgrounds and relate empathetically to clients and the special needs.
  
• Learn and work within office policies and procedures affecting assigned work, apply office policy, procedures and work rules.
  
• Organize work efficiently and to make appropriate decisions concerning work methods.
  
• Review forms or information for accuracy and completeness.
  
• Work independently and as part of a team.
  

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications shouldnot be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as generalguidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

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Physical Requirements: {This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements}:

• Climbing stairs and otherwise accessing homes and other locations in order to conduct investigations and gather information.
  
• Driving to various sites to conduct interviews and conduct investigations.
  
• Walking extensive distance to investigate location of individuals.
  
• Prolonged periods of sitting while conducting surveillance.
  
• Ability to access office files.
  

Working Conditions:* Exposure to variable weather conditions while conducting field work.

• Exposure to individuals with various emotional problems.
  
• Exposure to home or other facilities of various states of cleanliness and hygiene.
  

This position is benefited and is subject to the Personnel Policy.

Eaton County offers a variety of benefits that will support our employees both during their career and after. View the Benefit Page for more information.

The current group contract can be viewed Here.