PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- INVESTIGATOR I - 21014216

State of Florida•LaBelle, FL

11d•$40,000 - $45,000

About The Position

Are you looking for a rewarding role within an organization where you can earn competitive compensation and have access to a comprehensive benefits package? The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, may be the place for you! The agency is seeking qualified applicants for an Investigator I position. The starting salary for the position is $40,000 to $45,000 annually, dependent upon experience and qualifications. To learn more about the Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-of-the-public-defender-20th-judicial-circuit/ or www.pd20.org. To learn more about benefits offered to eligible employees, visit: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/. The agency strongly encourages applicants to attach a resume, as well as 2 - 3 professional references. The primary responsibility of an Investigator is conducting investigations of felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases, and supporting the agency’s attorneys in preparing their client’s defense. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Requirements

Display high standards of ethical conduct, including professional ethics relating to confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, and relationships.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
Demonstrate strong work ethic and commitment to the mission of the agency.
Maintain composure and perform effectively under stressful conditions.
Exhibit strong analytical skills including the ability to research, organize, schedule, analyze, and present investigative findings.
Manage multiple assignments and projects simultaneously.
Work independently as well as work effectively with team members.
Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, staff, witnesses, the public, and others, including with people of various backgrounds, education levels, and cultural diversity, using both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Demonstrate and utilize knowledge of investigative techniques, interviewing skills, and observation techniques.
Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments by prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
Identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, use sound judgment to generate solutions and evaluate alternatives, and communicate recommendations.
Understand the criminal justice and court system and exhibit familiarity with legal terminology.
Understand and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Document case files.
Operate office equipment, including cameras, video and digital recording equipment, voice recording devices, scanners, and copiers.
Utilize computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook,
Write in a clear, articulate, and accurate manner using proper and correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
Travel to various locations throughout the 20th Judicial Circuit for assignments, field work, and/or training.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a criminal justice related field and two years’ experience in law enforcement or as an investigator, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
An equivalency diploma issued by a state department of education may be substituted for high school graduation.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret investigation requests, technical procedures, criminal history records and other reports.
Demonstrate the ability to write reports, correspondence, timelines and analysis of documents.
Demonstrate the ability to present oral testimony in court.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with clients and witnesses taking into consideration cultural diversity.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
Must be able to understand and/or perform written and/or oral instructions furnished in a variety of ways.
Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, research and develop alternative solutions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be mobile, drive, speak, hear and stand for extended periods of time.
The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Valid Florida Driver’s License

Responsibilities

Conducting field investigations.
Photographing evidence and crime scenes and preparing related diagrams/charts/graphs as requested by the attorney.
Requesting records from various agencies and organizations and obtaining releases from clients as necessary in order to request the appropriate records.
Overseeing investigative requests from attorneys within the agency in a timely manner.
Locating and interviewing witnesses and obtaining statements if requested by the attorney.
Locating clients in accordance with agency guidelines.
Questioning individuals and gathering and analyzing information in support of potential defenses.
Interviewing clients, including clients in jail.
Interviewing juvenile clients in juvenile detention.
Serving subpoenas.
Testifying and presenting evidence in court.
Transporting clients on an occasional basis.
Documenting work using the agency’s database.
Communicating with defendants requesting the agency’s services and collaborating with them to complete an application for services.
Performing background checks.
Communicating effectively with various agencies within the criminal justice system as needed (e.g. Clerk of Court, jail facilities).
Attending First Appearance hearings for newly arrested clients in an effort to proactively identify cases where investigation is needed, or immediate action is required.
Performing related work and other duties as assigned.