Public Defender Investigator

SALARY GRADE:  Flat Rated

The Office of the Public Defender, District 39, seeks a qualified individual to investigate all areas of serious misdemeanor and H&I felony indigent defendants' cases that have been assigned by the courts to the Public Defender's Office.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Investigate serious misdemeanor and felony cases to organize information used to verify evidence or to substantiate innocence.

• Visit clients in jail to conduct initial interviews, and when indicated, consider the appropriateness of and expedition of bond reduction.

• Arrange defense expert witnesses, review experts' credentials, evaluate their potential effectiveness with the jury, and coordinate delivery of evidence to experts.

• Provide criminal histories of defendants, witnesses, and potential jurors to Assistant Public Defender in charge of the case.

• Ensure appearance of witnesses at time of trial and assist in witness preparation.

• Assist counsel with organization of the case during the trial and trial preparation.

• Serve as backup to the senior legal assistant.

Knowledge of: criminal law and the local court system.

Skill in: computers and word processing to prepare reports, motions, orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents; and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds both orally and in writing.

Ability to: plan and organize an effective approach to the organization and investigation of cases; schedule work to achieve results on time; prepare clients, their families, and witnesses for court; and inspire the confidence of the community in the public defender's office.

Valid North Carolina driver's license required.

Graduation from a four year college or university, preferably in the field of law, criminal justice, psychology, or sociology, and one (1) year of experience in legal, judicial, law enforcement or investigative work. An associate degree with three (3) years of experience in the above mentioned fields may substitute for the four year college degree requirement. Other combinations of education and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Management prefers applicants with an investigator's license (NC Justice Academy Criminal Investigative Certificate or private protective services license).

Attach cover letter and résumé.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

• NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

Carefully review the FAQs if you experience difficulty with the application process or attaching documents. For technical issues with applications or attachments, call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more, click on these links:

E-Verify Participation

E-Verify Participation (Spanish)

Right to Work

Right to Work (Spanish)

Charmaine J. Leeks

NC Administrative Office of the Courts

Human Resources Division

https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers