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The Orleans Public Defenders does not receive resumes outside of the
application processes for particular jobs. In order for a resume to be
considered, it must be provided in response to a particular job ad,
according to the procedures described in the job ad. Resumes provided in
relation to a particular job ad are not retained once that job is filled.
Those interested in positions with the OPD should check the OPD website
regularly for job postings, and must apply separately for each position of
interest.
Current Openings:
STAFF INVESTIGATOR
Opening Date: January 4, 2010
Closing Date: January 31, 2010
Office Overview: The Orleans Public Defenders (OPD)
is an independent legal office providing representation to indigent
defendants in Orleans Parish. The OPD is committed to excellence in the
provision of legal services for indigent defendants and client-centered
representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those accused of
crimes. Further details are available at the OPD website,
www.opdla.org
Principal Duties: Staff investigators work with legal defense counsel to investigate
alleged crimes and possible defenses to those allegations. Staff
investigators are assigned to investigate criminal cases from the time an
OPD lawyer enrolls on the case to the time at which trial or sentencing is
complete. Staff investigators also occasionally work on post-conviction
issues. Among other duties, investigating a case may require locating and
interviewing witnesses, taking statements from witnesses, performing
background checks, surveying and photographing crime scenes, preparing
demonstratives for trial, and testifying. Investigators are responsible for
verifying and corroborating information obtained, analyzing that
information, and memorializing the information obtained and the results of
that analysis in regular reports to OPD lawyers. The position is full-time;
no outside compensated work is permitted.
Qualifications Required:
Candidates for this position must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree. A
Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred but not necessary.
Previous experience with indigent defense or investigation may improve an
applicant's chance of an offer of employment and so should be disclosed but
such experience is not necessary for employment. Candidates must exhibit
exceptional problem-solving ability, i.e., the ability to analyze problems
and identify creative and unorthodox solutions to those problems; the
ability to gather, organize, and evaluate data; big social skills, i.e., the
ability to easily and comfortably communicate with strangers; big oral and
written communication skills; and a demonstrated interest in serving
disadvantaged populations.
Other Requirements: A criminal record does not automatically
disqualify a candidate from consideration but any arrests or convictions
must be disclosed in a separate attachment to the application. Additionally,
a candidate must have an insured, reliable, and available car and a valid
driver’s license.
Compensation:
Staff investigators will be paid $30,000 per
year plus health benefits.
Training:
All new staff investigator hires, regardless
of experience level, will participate in a comprehensive four day
investigations training program. After completing training, new staff
investigator hires will be paired with a senior-level staff investigator
with whom they will apprentice for a period of time to be determined by the
Chief Investigator.
Application Procedure:
This is a rolling application process:
available positions will be filled as qualified applicants are identified
and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Incomplete
applications will not be considered.
To apply, submit:
(1) a cover letter explaining your interest
in the position;
(2) a résumé;
(3) if it has been less than five years since
your graduation: an official transcript mailed to our office directly from
your university's registrar;
(4) a written response to the Statement of
Qualifications below; and
(5) a list of three references
to
Director of Operations at
Statement of Qualifications:
All applicants are required to submit a
separate, detailed, and concise narrative statement detailing the following,
to the extent applicable:
1. Skill in conducting interviews and recognizing,
exploring, and exploiting leads (skill need not come from experience as an
investigator);
2. Skill in effective and articulate oral and written
communication (skill need not come from experience as an investigator); and
3. Any experience in criminal defense
investigations, including knowledge and training in the basic principles and
techniques of investigation.
Correspondence or questions may
also be directed to:
Michael Bradley
Orleans Public Defenders
2601 Tulane Ave., Ste 700
New Orleans, LA 70119
T: (504) 821-8101
F: (504) 821-5285
OPD is an equal opportunity employer.
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