Courtesy Posting: Investigator, Criminal Defense - State Public Defender's Office

POSITION INFORMATION

**This is a courtesy posting for the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender**

The salary for this position is $4,379 per month.

The Colorado State Public Defender’s Ft. Collins trial office is currently accepting applications to fill a Criminal Defense Investigator position. This is a full-time, entry-level Investigator position. Investigators serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Public Defender Investigators perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney, while also receiving direct supervision and training from the Chief Investigator.

MISSION STATEMENT

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.

We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Individuals in the position develop their investigative skills through on-the-job training and formal instruction, and apply those skills as a member of defense teams working on misdemeanor, juvenile and felony cases. The primary job duties of an investigator include locating, interviewing and coordinating witnesses; locating and obtaining documents and other information; serving subpoenas; providing insight and recommendations to attorneys on defense strategy; writing reports; preparing exhibits; and, testifying at trial. Investigators may occasionally assist on cases in other offices and perform other duties as assigned.

It’s critical for Investigators to be organized, detail oriented, and able to work independently and take the initiative. They also must utilize strong interpersonal skill to be able to effectively interact with colleagues, clients (who may be incarcerated), clients’ families, and other individuals within the criminal justice community.

Investigators review discovery and records, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examining physical evidence and viewing crime scenes; and, maintain and utilize equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, magnifying tools, measurement devices, and maps.

Investigators utilize standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers, e-mail, and Adobe Acrobat; multimedia technology; and, audio/visual software and equipment.

Positions require travel frequently within, and occasionally outside, the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel; and, occasional work outside normal business hours. Investigators are responsible for transporting themselves and their files to court, jails, sites of investigations and other offsite work locations, as required.

In all aspects of the work they perform, Investigators must demonstrate compassion for our client and a commitment to their representation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

How to Apply:

Please e-mail your résumé and cover letter outlining your interest in this position, to Amber Richardson, Chief Investigator, at amber.richardson@coloradodefenders.us by 11:59 p.m., June 15, 2022.

Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

BENEFITS

For a summary of employee benefits (health, dental, life and disability) please visit: https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/. Other benefits include retirement plan options through Colorado PERA www.copera.org, eleven paid holidays a year, and paid-time-off for personal and sick leave.

Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:

http://www.coloradodefenders.us/

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact Laura Darrow at, laura.darrow@coloradodefenders.us.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Please see statement of duties above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS (Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.)

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, social sciences or other degree directly related to the investigative field.

OR

Equivalent education, training or experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform at this level may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in indigent criminal defense, or other experience serving an indigent population;
• Spanish-speaking skills.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be 18 years of age or older;
• No felony convictions (“conviction” includes any plea or finding of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, as well as disposition of a deferred sentence or deferred judgement);
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
• Ability to transport themselves and their work files to court, jail, investigations and any other place where their physical presence is required;
• Ability to review all discovery and records, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examining physical evidence, and viewing crime scenes;
• Ability to lift, move or transport case files, which can weigh up to 20 pounds.