News

West Texas Public Defender Investigator Job Opening

  • 7/6/2010
  • West Texas Public Defender's Office

Lubbock County
Job Description

Job Title: Investigator Grade: PS05 FLSA: Non-exempt

Date: 7/07 Reports To: Chief Public Defender

SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Chief Public Defender, is responsible for interviewing witnesses, clients and victims in the conduct of investigations; obtains, preserves, records and analyzes evidence for the defense of clients represented by the Public Defender's Office; locates witnesses for the defense; and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plans, directs and conducts investigations to support the legal defense of capital murder cases.
• Establishes and maintains informant contacts to develop information relevant to cases.
• Conducts surveillance stakeouts as necessary.
• Identifies, locates and interviews clients to gather financial and factual statements for screening and intake purposes. Identifies, locates and interviews witnesses, complainants, law enforcement officials and representatives of other agencies to gather information on events surrounding cases.
• Contacts and maintains liaison with outside agencies and expert witnesses as reference resources for potential testimony in highly specialized fields.
• Locates, obtains, evaluates and preserves documentary evidence from a variety of sources.
• Confers with attorneys on points of law and procedure.
• Writes and dictates reports of contacts and findings including statements, scene descriptions and analysis of physical evidence.
• Appears as a witness and testifies at trials, hearings and motions.
• Participates in training sessions.
• Operates and maintains a variety of photographic, tape, graphic and projection equipment.
• Prepares, presents, and maintains records and reports.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Three years of substantial criminal investigative experience, paralegal experience, or related education, training and/or investigative experience which provides the knowledge and skill requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the techniques, principles and methods used in criminal investigations; knowledge of the methods and techniques of screening, evaluating and preparing evidence and exhibits for trial; knowledge of the Texas Penal Code and the Constitution; and general knowledge of the criminal justice system, state department of corrections and related agencies. Skill to operate photographic, recording and graphic equipment; skill to prepare and set up electronic presentations devices (i.e. PowerPoint, projectors, document cameras, etc). Ability to keep accurate notes and records; ability to prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive reports; ability to read and understand legal codes, cases and technical material in such disciplines as medicine, physical and social sciences; ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation; ability to assess the credibility of witnesses; ability to gather and analyze facts and evidence and draw valid conclusions; ability to adjust to workload changes and work under stress to meet deadlines; ability to organize and prioritize workload to manager cases efficiently; ability to testify in court in a direct, clear and concise manner; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, representatives of other agencies, clients, family member of clients, the public and co-workers.

 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical requirements include lifting/carrying 25 lbs. occasionally; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, reaching and handling to perform the essential functions.
 

To apply, please fill out an application at https://apps.co.lubbock.tx.us/application/joblist.asp

Topics:
  • Other Death Penalty