Criminal Investigator 2

The OPD is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as the fact investigator for the Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP). The WCP is dedicated to identifying, investigating, and litigating cases of actual innocence for incarcerated people in Ohio. The Project also works to educate others on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and advocate for policy reform.

As the sole fact investigator for the WCP, you will work with a team of attorneys, a paralegal, and student interns who make up a motivated, highly-collaborative team. The position will be based in Columbus, Ohio, and requires regular travel within the state. Job duties include providing a thorough investigation in an ethical and honest manner, to ensure quality representation of indigent clients. You will work independently and with a team, regularly interacting with attorneys, core support staff, student interns, and with clients, witnesses, and experts. In this position, you will conduct in-depth field investigations of high-level felony and complex innocence cases by investigating the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense(s) and the client’s or potential client’s background. You will synthesize information gathered in investigations and recommend how to develop and present themes and theories to courts. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to justice and to the goals, mission and values of the WCP and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.

The successful candidate will have passion for working with our diverse clientele who are facing the challenges of wrongful conviction, incarceration, and reentry. The successful candidate will also be detail oriented, a meticulous recordkeeper, and have strong interpersonal skills. The preferred candidate will have experience conducting fact investigations and helping to pursue a fair justice system.

This position requires you to travel throughout the state of Ohio, and occasionally requires travel outside the state. Weekly car travel average is two days a week but is variable and can be more depending on need. The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for you to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance coverage.

Essential duties performed by the position include but are not limited to:
Investigate the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense(s), gather and analyze records, gather documentation to support the testimony of expert and lay witnesses, and obtain and notarize affidavits and gather and organize physical documentary evidence.
Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate, interview, and investigate witnesses, evidence, materials, and records; Identify, locate, contact and interview suspects, claimants, family members, employees and coworkers, medical or psychological service providers, attorneys, and federal, state and municipal agencies to obtain information pertaining to the case; assist with transporting witnesses.
Prepare complex reports of interviews and findings and prepare detailed timelines for use in case preparations and presentations.
Consult with internal and external attorneys and experts to develop trial, postconviction, and appellate sentencing phase themes and theories of the case; assist with preparing witnesses or clients for testimony.
Obtain and analyze other anecdotal and documentary evidence relevant to the client's history and their environmental and cultural background.
Lead brainstorming and strategizing discussions.
Assist in providing educational experiences for student interns: meets with interns to develop investigation plans, delegates tasks, and monitors completion of tasks.
Testify in court regarding findings: present findings of the investigations to attorneys and experts; acts as liaison with clients’ families, law enforcement and other administrative agencies to transmit vital information.
Provide re-entry support for released clients: coordinates with attorneys, identifies appropriate community services and resources related to housing, benefits, healthcare (including mental health services), financial assistance, employment, and drug/alcohol intervention