Investigator- Public Defender

SUMMARY :

This is investigative work in the preparation of felony or misdemeanor cases assigned to the Public Defender's Office. Work involves the preparation of pre-trial information to assist the attorney. Work also involves investigative and surveillance work, coordination of witness logistics, and review of law enforcement documents for trial.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Interviewing victims, witnesses, defendants, and law enforcement officers to gather information and facts on assigned criminal cases
• Reviewing criminal histories, driver's license records, and other confidential records generated from the GCIC system
• Preparing affidavits for witnesses
• Obtaining medical records, school records, driving records, and other physical evidence from metro-Atlanta area
• May testify in trial proceedings
• Conducting case review work by analyzing law enforcement documents such as investigative reports, incident reports, search warrants, property, and evidence receipts
• Consulting with State Crime Lab personnel to evaluate test findings and results
• Coordinating civilian and law enforcement witnesses, travel, accommodations, and transportation to court
• Preparing reports and summary case work for Public Defender's Office
• Operating a county vehicle in conducting county related business
• Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED, supplemented by college-level or vocational course work in a related field
• Three years of professional work experience as a peace officer o Minimum one year of which was performed as a detective or investigator
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be 18 years of age or older

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License (Class C) and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of county and department operations, ordinances, policies, procedures, terminology, and materials as they relate to assignment Knowledge of applicable state, federal, state, and local codes and ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to assignment Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, and legal terminology Knowledge of court systems, rules, practices, and procedures; documents, regulations, and state laws related to assigned office Knowledge of law enforcement and criminal investigation procedures, practices and operations Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and equipment Knowledge of the Criminal Code of Georgia and Georgia Statutes relating to criminal conduct Knowledge of criminal investigation procedures, practices, and operations Knowledge of law enforcement and criminal investigation procedures, practices and operations Skill in analytical thinking; ability to apply a wide range of abstract and concrete concepts to problems and issues Skill in creating, maintaining, and organizing accurate, detailed, and complete records in accordance with standard record-keeping procedures Skill in effective inter-personal and public relations; excellent oral and written communication skills to satisfactorily resolve conflicts and issues, and to explain established policies and procedures to employees and the general public Skill in performing tasks which require attention to detail, and completing assigned jobs efficiently and correctly Skill in planning, prioritizing, and organizing work; ability to handle multiple work assignments and deadlines efficiently, accurately, and professionally; skill in planning, prioritizing, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others Skill in the use of personal computers, MS Office Suite, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing; typing and entering data into a computer system accurately and efficiently Skill in effective investigative procedures Skill in the operation of a firearm Ability to apply common sense to understand, follow, and complete verbal and written instructions Ability to collect data, information, and trends Ability to communicate and interact clearly and effectively with all those contacted in the course of work in a professional and courteous manner, both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective, professional, and cordial working relationships Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions Ability to demonstrate compassion and respect in client interactions, with disabled individuals and others needing special assistance; ability to deal effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; ability to counsel, empathize, and communicate clearly with victims Ability to handle confidential information professionally and to exercise discretion in performing assigned job duties; inability to maintain confidentiality will be grounds for dismissal Ability to interview and interrogate Ability to make sound, independent decisions within policy guidelines by exercising good judgment and intelligent situation-assessment Ability to provide instruction and direction Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and comprehend a variety of documents including, but not limited to, memos, instructions, correspondence, technical reports, legal documents, ordinances, governmental policies and procedures, tables, professional articles, as they relate to assignment Ability to remain composed and professional in a stressful, fast-paced, high-volume environment; to effectively present information and respond to questions Ability to research, analyze data, and compile information to create clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, legal documents, policies, and other written material; ability to create clear, accurate, and effective presentations; ability to compose high-level correspondence Ability to analyze and resolve routine, non-routine, and complex problems, evaluating alternative solutions and adopting effective course of action by applying or adapting established policies and procedures, and through negotiation and counseling Ability to use and operate cameras and video equipment Ability to be a victims' advocate before the public Ability to work in a team setting Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions or direct supervision

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computers Photocopiers Fax machines Calculators Telephones Scanners Assorted modern office equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work includes indoor and outdoor responsibilities with exposure to weather conditions
• Work requires driving; operation of vehicle may be under potentially hazardous conditions involving road construction, inclement weather, traffic hazards, exposure to fumes and noise
• Work may involve exposure to personal danger and psychological stress
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate The details listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various elements of this position and the work that may be performed.

The omission of specific statements does not exclude them if their nature is similar, related, or a logical extension of the position.