Investigator

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Job location
404 James Robertson Pkwy
Suite 1100
Nashville, TN 37219
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender
Street address: 
404 James Robertson Pkwy, Suite 1100
City: 
Nashville
State: 
Tennessee
ZIP: 
37219
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

The OPCD is an independent agency of the Tennessee state government. The agency represents people sentenced to death in Tennessee and provides assistance and educational resources to appointed counsel in capital cases. Direct representation focuses on the investigation and presentation of collateral claims in state courts, mostly in post-conviction proceedings. The OPCD handles cases throughout Tennessee. Please see www.tnpcdo.net for further details.

The investigator will work on a team with attorneys and a paralegal to develop both guilt/innocence and mitigation claims on behalf of clients. The investigator’s primary duties will include extensive record review; creation and/or maintenance of core case documents such as witness lists and timelines; identifying, locating, and interviewing witnesses relevant to both the offense and the client’s social history; as well as drafting different types of memoranda and reports. The investigator will also subpoena witnesses for evidentiary hearings and assist with managing the witnesses at the hearing.

Requirements: 

The investigator position requires extensive travel in and outside of Tennessee, as well as flexibility to work evenings and weekends. All OPCD employees must have a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense
• Ability to collaborate closely with others in a team setting
• Cultural competence
• Strong interviewing and writing skills
• Well-developed organizational and time-management abilities
• Familiarity with witness location and background investigation
• Significant understanding of mental health issues
• A degree in a relevant field, such as social work or psychology is preferred
• Prior experience in conducting guilt phase and mitigation investigation, including working with experts, is preferred

To apply: 

Interested candidates should send: 1) a cover letter discussing their experience, skills, and interest in death penalty work; 2) a resume; 3) three professional references; and 4) a writing sample to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Notes: 
The OPCD is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary range: 
Salary is based on experience and level of education. Health insurance and other benefits are provided.