Investigator na State of Colorado

About the Department

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

How to Apply:

Please e-mail your résumé and cover letter outlining your interest in, and how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for this position to Chief Investigator, Cheri Cervantes [email protected]

Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR OSPD:

• 6 Health Plans- Cigna & Kaiser options
• 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
• 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 Duties

We are currently accepting applications to fill a Criminal Defense Investigator position at the Colorado State Public Defender’s Fort Collins trial office. This is a full-time, entry-level Investigator position. Investigators serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Public Defender Investigators perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney, while also receiving direct supervision and training from the Chief Investigator.

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 elements of the crime scene and evidence viewed. Applies established policies and procedures such as, obtaining signed releases from the client; obtaining records at a minimal cost; and documenting records received. 
• Maintains and utilizes tools and equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, standard computer and office equipment, measurement tools, and maps. 
• Provides trial and hearing support: Assists in preparing exhibits for trial or sentencing. Ensures appropriate clothing is available for the client. Coordinates witness appearances including providing updates on trial status and court dates and assisting with travel arrangements, as needed. Develops a working knowledge of courtroom procedures. Assists in sentencing preparation by researching treatment placement options and coordinating with probation services as needed.
• Learns mandated cost procedures and State Office policy and procedures to accurately process and submit applicable forms and paperwork.   
• Learns and applies appropriate skills necessary in testifying accurately and truthfully on behalf of the defense.
• Performs post-trial tasks such as following up with witnesses after testifying, canvassing the jury for their impressions, and returning client clothing to family members as requested by the attorneys.
• Organizes daily activities to effectively manage time and resources, including the performance of work that falls outside normal business hours.
• Frequent travel within and occasionally outside the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel.
• Assists other regional offices in conducting investigations, as assigned.
• Attends meetings and trainings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, criminology, legal studies, political science, international relations, social sciences, public relations,  or communications. 
• Must have demonstrated written and oral communication skills

Four years of equivalent training or relevant experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the duties at this level may substitute for education. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Spanish Speaking – Intermediate level and above

Conditions of Employment (position requirements at entry):

• Upon hire and for the duration of employment, must be a Colorado resident
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle.

• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Other Qualifications

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected]