SUMMARY

The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender is accepting applications for the position of Chief Investigator. Our investigators work collaboratively with our attorneys, social service advocates, and support staff to provide wholistic representation to our clients. The Chief of Investigations oversees the investigative unit and is responsible for assigning investigator requests, mentoring and training investigators, and handling investigations for homicides along with other matters as needed.

The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender has over 60 attorneys who represent adults and juveniles in criminal matters through trial, sentencing, and appeals. Clients receive collaborative representation through a team of dedicated professionals who specialize in criminal and juvenile defense.  We provide the highest quality representation to our clients and prioritize a holistic, client centered, and community-oriented practice with the ultimate goals of securing the best possible outcomes in our clients' cases, ameliorating the conditions that led to their involvement in the justice system, and improving the overall outcomes for their lives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions and Accountabilities

• Oversee staff investigators and distribute assignments.
• Provide support, training, mentorship, and guidance to staff investigators.
• Conduct comprehensive and exhaustive investigation of criminal matters.
• Gather records, reports, and other documentary materials.
• Locate and interview lay and expert witnesses.
• Review and analyze discovery and other case documentation in collaboration with attorneys.
• Conduct crime scene investigations and area canvasing.
• Prepare comprehensive and exhaustive chronological summaries, written memoranda, and other reports as directed by trial attorneys; and
• Provide in-court testimony and trial support as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Credentials

• B.A. in criminal justice or a related field; and
• Private Investigator license and/or prior career in law enforcement or equivalent role preferred.

Experience and Skills

• Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of prior investigations and/or law enforcement experience.
• Familiarity with court systems and investigative databases (i.e. CLEAR).
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to engage with and establish rapport with people from a variety of different backgrounds.
• Able to analyze and evaluate facts, evidence and related information, and engage in creative thinking and problem solving.
• Able to synthesize facts and important information in an organized and persuasive manner.
• Must be able to work independently while maintaining regular and effective communication with members of the team.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver's license, with willingness to travel within and outside the jurisdiction, including travel to courts and various correctional institutions.
• Spanish speakers will be strongly considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Position involves a combination of office and field work. The successful candidate will do site visits including correctional facilities, homes, crime scenes, and other sites as necessary both inside and outside of Montgomery County. 
• The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear.