What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Investigator position at miOttawa.org?
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Public Defender, performs investigations as necessary to support the legal representation of clients. Under attorney direction, investigator will interview witnesses, visit the scenes where incidents take place, and otherwise conduct investigations that would inform such representation.
This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Public Defenders Office in Holland, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel to other county locations as needed.
Essential Job Functions
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct investigations to obtain evidence for clients of Ottawa County Office of the Public Defender attorneys.
- Support legal defense for both felony and misdemeanor cases.
- Contact and maintain liaison with outside witness sources.
- Utilize a variety of evidence sources.
- Appear as a witness and testify at trials.
- Confer with attorneys on points of law and procedure.
- Manage Subpoena service and tracking.
- Coordinate witnesses.
- Draft and track FOIA requests.
- Perform legal background checks.
- Assist attorneys with restitution determinations.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Training and Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, sociology, legal studies, or other relevant field combined with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in criminal justice investigations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Requirements and Information
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Thorough working knowledge of criminal investigations, or in law enforcement with a focus on investigations.
- Familiarity with investigation techniques and tools (such as databases, informational resources and public records), general concepts of criminal law, and arrest procedures.
- Must be licensed with the state of Michigan and provide valid proof.
- Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Skill in working effectively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience in evidence handling; establishing and maintaining chain of custody.
- Skill in prioritizing multiple time sensitive assignments.
- Experience in field interviews of diverse citizens.
- Familiarity with testifying under oath in a courtroom setting.
Note: Verbal and written fluency in Spanish, Cambodian, Lao or other language commonly spoken by one or more demographic groups represented in the population strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a normal office environment and in the courtroom.
Disclaimer:This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Public Defender, performs investigations as necessary to support the legal representation of clients. Under attorney direction, investigator will interview witnesses, visit the scenes where incidents take place, and otherwise conduct investigations that would inform such representation.
This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Public Defenders Office in Holland, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel to other county locations as needed.
Essential Job Functions
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct investigations to obtain evidence for clients of Ottawa County Office of the Public Defender attorneys.
- Support legal defense for both felony and misdemeanor cases.
- Contact and maintain liaison with outside witness sources.
- Utilize a variety of evidence sources.
- Appear as a witness and testify at trials.
- Confer with attorneys on points of law and procedure.
- Manage Subpoena service and tracking.
- Coordinate witnesses.
- Draft and track FOIA requests.
- Perform legal background checks.
- Assist attorneys with restitution determinations.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Training and Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, sociology, legal studies, or other relevant field combined with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in criminal justice investigations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Requirements and Information
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Thorough working knowledge of criminal investigations, or in law enforcement with a focus on investigations.
- Familiarity with investigation techniques and tools (such as databases, informational resources and public records), general concepts of criminal law, and arrest procedures.
- Must be licensed with the state of Michigan and provide valid proof.
- Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Skill in working effectively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience in evidence handling; establishing and maintaining chain of custody.
- Skill in prioritizing multiple time sensitive assignments.
- Experience in field interviews of diverse citizens.
- Familiarity with testifying under oath in a courtroom setting.
Note: Verbal and written fluency in Spanish, Cambodian, Lao or other language commonly spoken by one or more demographic groups represented in the population strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a normal office environment and in the courtroom.
Disclaimer:This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is benefited and is subject to the Group T manual.
Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits Summary for more information.
The current Group T manual can be viewed here. The Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here.
**Part-time benefitted positions will recieve prorated benefits.
