Job Description

Posting number: 202600256

Department: Public Defender

Job classification: Investigator - Public Defender

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Legal, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Investigative, Criminology

The Yavapai County Public Defender’s Office has a rewarding opportunity for an investigator assisting our attorneys in case preparation. The ideal candidate will be experienced in a legal environment with attorney delegated investigator duties and with computer-based investigative tools.

Our office has established a clear mission and set of values. At the Public Defender's Office, we are dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all individuals.

OUR WHY

We ensure access to justice for all people.

OUR POV

We live our why by being diligent, fearless, and principled in our pursuit of justice.

OUR NON-NEGOTIABLE VALUES

Dedication

We show up well prepared and are committed to our why.

Courageousness

We are bold, creative, and accessible every day.

Honorable

We are honest, authentic, and trustworthy in our actions.

We are a collegial paperless office where all employees have the option to work remotely from their homes in a hybrid arrangement or in the office full-time. We stress work-life balance and manage our caseloads to ensure it. We would love to talk to you about our office and your interests.

Examples of duties

• Reviews relevant facts, police and witness statements, forensic and psychological findings, and any other discovery in connection with a case.
• Gathers additional information and assists attorneys in evaluating the evidence and formulating a defense.
• Conducts thorough interviews of witnesses and clients.
• Maintains case logs and prepares complete and accurate investigative reports.
• Locates and contacts witnesses.
• Attends court to assist attorneys by providing feedback on jury selection, witness testimony and evidence. Gives testimony.
• Assists attorneys with client management e.g., updates clients on investigation progress.
• Assists attorneys at Early Disposition Court.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years prior investigation experience with either the military or other governmental agency.

Additional Requirements:

Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.

Supplemental information

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Criminal investigative techniques and procedures as they apply to both prosecution and defense.
• Arizona law, rules of criminal procedure, and the U.S. Constitution.
• Workflow in the legal system.
• Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition.
• Clerical office practices and procedures.
• Research techniques and report writing.
• Current Microsoft Office software.
• Filing and recordkeeping.

Skill in:

• Investigation and interviewing techniques.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Organization and adherence to detail.

Ability to:

• Deal with hostile environments and to control these situations in an effective and safe manner.
• View and analyze physical evidence and formulate an opinion as to their evidentiary value and the need to consult experts.
• Apply contemporary law enforcement principles and practices to crime scene investigations and other high-profile investigative work.
• Obtain information that is vital to the defense.
• Acts quickly and calmly with proper judgment in emergency situations.
• Adhere to current Yavapai County Attorney policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations, County officials, and the public.
• Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.
• Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion always.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
  
  

Work Environment:
The work environment is associated with an office and field environment year-round in all weather conditions and includes exposure to loud noise, blood borne pathogens, dust, fumes, mist, and chemicals. This is a highly public position where contact with public may be in challenging situations.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effective in-person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, radios, handcuffs, body armor, and other equipment depending on case assignments.

Additional Job Information:

FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 15
Classification: Classified
Safety Sensitive: No