Investigator

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Job location
100 Church St
St. Joseph, MI 49085
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Berrien County Public Defener's Office
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

Investigator ($39,822 -$53,363)
Duties: Provides investigative services to the Public Defender’s Office. Cultivates leads and furthers areas of inquiry from available information. May search official and unofficial records, obtains statements, takes photographs, creates drawings, recordings, and models. Assists Assistant Public Defender’s in trial preparation. Locates and interviews witnesses, victims and clients in a timely manner. Delivers subpoenas to witnesses in a timely manner. As directed by the attorney, conducts surveillance of both stationary and mobile subjects in a covert manner. Coordinates witnesses regarding Court appearances. Prepares professional photographs, diagrams, maps and trial exhibits to facilitate improved understanding of a case. Testifies in court concerning findings of investigations. Develops leads and sources of information. Performs assigned investigations and updates case management software in a timely manner. Participates in case review meetings. Maintains frequent contact with attorneys regarding case activity. Obtains, analyzes and disseminates pertinent records including court, medical, military, criminal, and psychological; reviews presentence reports, prepares appropriate support documents. Maintains availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participates in training programs. Completes special projects and other duties as assigned by the Assistant Chief Public Defender and/or the Chief Public Defender.
Note: The successful candidate will model the following attributes: Demonstrates zealous representation of clients and client advocacy. Ability to operate technology to search and retrieve information. Ability to identify, recruit, train, and retain talented and dedicated investigators. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a variety of people from divergent backgrounds. Ability to operate typical office equipment such as phones, computer, fax, calculator, printer, copier, scanner, digital video and digital cameras. Ability to deal effectively with people of widely divergent backgrounds, within and outside the office, and to relate empathetically to clients and their special needs. Exercise common sense and good judgment. Utilize services of interpreters as necessary to communicate with clients, witnesses and other persons related to the case. Maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information. Learn quickly and function efficiently under stressful and distracting conditions; ability to multi-task. Accept direction and follow office policies and procedures. Work independently as well as cooperatively in a legal services team atmosphere.
Special Note: Work is typically performed in an office setting although daily field work occurs approximately 40% of the time. Investigators work a majority of their hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, nights and/or holidays and weekends as necessary in order to contact witnesses and information sources. This description is intended to describe the type and level of work to be performed by a person assigned to this classification. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Requirements: 

Required: Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or related field preferred. High School diploma or GED with more than 3 years of experience in government investigations will also be considered. Prior experience in law enforcement, military service or investigative work is preferred. Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen. Must maintain regular, reliable and predictable attendance. Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in order to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities.

To apply: 

Complete Berrien County application and return to Personnel Department: http://www.berriencounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/695/Application-for-Emp...

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$39,822 -$53,363
Submission deadline: 
Wednesday, January 2, 2019