Criminal Investigator 1

State of Ohio • Marietta, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is hiring a Criminal Investigator 1 for the Washington County Office of its Trial Services Division. The position conducts criminal fact investigations involving possible non-capital felonies and misdemeanors and assists with preparing and presenting cases at all levels of litigation, including trials in Municipal, Juvenile, and Common Pleas Courts. The Trial Services Division provides client-centered representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges across Ohio.

The investigator travels regularly throughout Washington County and spends time in the community, jails, and courthouses. The Washington County office has six staff attorneys, four core support staff, and a supervising attorney. The position reports to the Office Director and works as part of a large defense team, assisting people facing the challenges of poverty.

The position is permanent and full-time, with work hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is classified and represented by OCSEA. Compensation is $26.54–$34.53 per hour, with starting pay generally at Step 1 unless contract or legislation requires otherwise; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. The schedule includes progression to the next pay step after 180 days and annually thereafter, and the posting notes that fiscal-year cost-of-living adjustments are typical.

Requirements

• At least 12 months of training or 12 months of experience conducting investigations of complaints or possible violations of laws, rules, agency policies, or company procedures; or completion of associate degree program core coursework in law enforcement; or equivalent qualifications.
• Job skills include investigation, attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork, and written communication.

Nice To Haves

• Professional or volunteer experience helping to pursue a fair justice system.
• Passion for working with a large team and assisting people facing the challenges of poverty.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the facts and circumstances of alleged offenses.
• Serve subpoenas.
• Interview clients.
• Review case materials.
• Use a variety of tools to locate, contact, and interview witnesses in the field.
• Locate, contact, and interview other suspects and family members as needed.
• Gather physical and documentary evidence.
• Prepare reports of interviews, findings, and timelines for use in trial.
• Gather documentation to support the testimony of expert and lay witnesses.
• View and diagram crime scenes.
• Assist in identifying records to put into evidence.
• Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate and interview potential witnesses.
• Serve as a liaison to clients’ families, law enforcement, defense witnesses, and attorneys to transmit information.
• Meet regularly with other defense-team members to provide investigation updates and collaborate.
• Assist with mail, court runs, or filings.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS.
• Optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree