Investigator Specialist I

City of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Defender Investigator Specialist plays a critical role in the defense of individuals charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford private legal counsel. The position involves conducting independent confidential and thorough investigations in support of the defense team. The Investigator Specialist gathers information and documents for analysis to assist attorneys in developing defense strategies and protecting client’s constitutional rights.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Five (5) years of skilled investigation experience
1-2 years of community involvement experience
Valid Georgia Driver's License
GCIC certification
DUI Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certificate
Knowledge of penal codes, welfare and institutional codes, and court procedures to ascertain investigative needs
Fundamental knowledge of conducting investigations
Strong communication and relationship skills and can build partnerships with key stakeholders
Ability to work in a deadline driven environment and ability manage multiple priorities
Resourceful when collecting and developing facts and other pertinent data
Proficiency in the use of GCIC; Court Case Management System
Ability to objectively analyze and evaluate facts, evidence and related information
Able to obtain cooperation and confidence of others
Skills to analyze and evaluate data collected during investigations
Ability to interact and communicate orally in a courteous and effective manner with law enforcement officials and members of the public
Ability to communicate effectively in writing, including preparation of records and reports
Ability to plan, organize, assign and review the work of other investigative personnel including the preparation of records and reports

Nice To Haves

AI Basics Certification
Project Management Certification
First Aid/CPR
PIC
Trauma-informed Care
N.C.I.C certification
Motivational Interviewing
POST certification
Undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice or related field
Three to Five years of skilled investigation experience
One to two (1-2) years of experience in community prosecution

Responsibilities

Conducting investigations in criminal, traffic, and code enforcement cases.
Assisting defense attorneys by participating in investigations connected with criminal cases before the municipal court.
Collecting and preserving evidence including photographs, video evidence, 911 calls, medical records and public records.
Serving subpoenas and other legal documents to individuals in accordance with court rules and procedures.
Preparing diagrams and photographs or trial exhibits in anticipation of trial.
Conducting field investigations related to locating and interviewing witnesses, victims, law enforcement, and others related to the case.
Maintaining records on all investigations; this includes the contacts made, findings of evidence, collected statements, description of scenes, analysis of cases and other information relevant to the defense.
Preparing investigative reports and summaries for attorneys and case files and case management system.
Performing administrative work in the unit related to client case management.
Maintaining video evidence management files and other media files.
Using available technology and its application to gather evidence and develop defense cases.
Valuing teamwork and demonstrating the willingness to collaborate with other team members.
Testifying in court as needed regarding investigative work and findings.
Assisting and participating in training, workshops, seminars, meetings, and events which may occur outside normal hours of operation.