Investigator

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success. Benefits of Working for the OSPD: Medical Insurance Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans Dental Insurance State Paid Life Insurance State Paid Short-Term Disability FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care HSA Plan with Employer Contribution Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave Flexible Schedules 11 paid holidays Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources Colorado PERA 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits . For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org . Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at: http://www.coloradodefenders.us/ Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work : This position describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations specific to the organization and relevant techniques, methods and/or theories of the profession. Positions work under direct supervision, to include regular guidance, review and oversight by supervisors and more experienced staff, while learning fundamental skills and technical aspects of the work. It is expected that employees will develop the necessary competencies to assume the duties and responsibilities at the Investigator II level. Positions should not remain in this class indefinitely. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Learns procedures and develops skills in organizing and preparing case files to effectively manage assigned investigations. Copies of information in the attorney’s files including client information, case numbers, court dates, charges, discovery, bond information, and attorney notes from client conferences. Tracks pertinent case information by breaking down or indexing files to effectively manage caseloads and quickly and easily access or reference case information. Learns procedures and develops skills in preparing for the investigation and witness/victim interviews. Reviews and organizes discovery and meets with attorneys and clients to gather information relevant to locating and interviewing witnesses. Serves as a collaborative member of the defense team: Consults with attorneys on the theory of defense including applicable case law and potential ethical issues to establish a strategy for the investigation and interviews. Maintains regular and timely communications with attorneys to keep apprised as to the status of the case, court dates, witness information, and progress on the investigation; and, to seek clarification on investigation requests in order to prioritize and complete assigned tasks within appropriate timelines. Develops skills and practice habits to maintain thorough documentation of all aspects of work performed. Develops and maintains clear understanding of all ethical issues implicated in work performed, and consults with attorneys and managers as required. Develops skills in investigative techniques and methods for conducting fieldwork to collect client records; serve subpoenas; examine crime scenes; view physical evidence; conduct interviews; and, prepare reports of the interviews and fieldwork. Documents and verifies eleme