Investigator (Norman)

State of Oklahoma • Norman, OK

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Investigator in Appellate West Division, Norman office. Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing investigative work needed to support criminal defendant cases. Work is conducted to investigate, communicate, and collaborate with defendants, families, attorneys, witnesses, experts, law enforcement officers, public officials, health record professionals, employers, and jurors. Duties also include gathering and analyzing evidence; traveling and conducting interviews; compiling accurate reports; and supporting attorneys in court proceedings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of location of background and evidence sources.
• Knowledge of English, grammar, and sentence structure for document preparation.
• Knowledge of computer and software usage.
• Skill in critical thinking to seek truth and understanding.
• Skill in organizing and presenting facts and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in using good judgment in situation analysis, confidentiality, and decision-making.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with clients, family members, witnesses, and others working on the cases.
• Ability to maintain chain of control over evidence collected.
• Requires current Oklahoma driver’s license.
• Ability to fulfill frequent and lengthy trips for work travel.

Nice To Haves

• Criminal litigation investigative experience.

Responsibilities

• Directed by the assigned case attorney, investigates client defenses and backgrounds of the client and the client’s family.
• Locates and travels to interview defendants (in jail or on bond) and witnesses; gathers evidence, recovers the criminal records of clients and witnesses; and serves subpoenas.
• Consults with attorneys related to evidence, interviews, expert testimonies, law enforcement reports, social histories, and evidentiary sources.
• Critically reviews Forensic Evidence Reports for anomalies.
• Researches and prepares documents concerning the client’s defense.
• Create or update the family and social history report.
• Establishes and maintains a professional relationship with clients, families and witnesses.
• Schedules and organizes clients, materials and witnesses for court appearances.
• Locates and interviews jurors after trial or other legal proceedings.
• Details evidence and references in files; and develops and produces written reports of investigations.
• Attends and testifies in court proceedings, subject to the prohibitions against disclosure of privileged conversations.
• Assists the assigned case attorney at hearings or arguments.
• Participates in staff meetings and continuing education as requested.
• Performs administrative duties which may include serving as liaison to various agencies; serving on hiring committees; developing investigative tools; or conducting investigations for the Executive Division.
• Records and submits case-tracking information, leave forms, travel and expense reports, and other records within deadlines.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
• Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
• 11 paid holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED