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Public Defender Investigator I/II

Shasta County
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THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY’S PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE

 

ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2025

 

SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING 

POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE 

 

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

 

FINAL FILING DATE: DECEMBER 27, 2024, AT 12:00 PM

 

 

SALARY INFORMATION

 

Public Defender Investigator I- $5,108 - $6,519 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $29.47 - $37.61 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*


Public Defender Investigator II- $5,389 - $6,878 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $31.09 - $39.68 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/laboragreementsmous

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere.  With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Shasta County Public Defender provides efficient and effective legal defense services to indigent individuals charged with crimes in felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile matters.  In addition, the Office of the Shasta County Public Defender provides legal representation to indigent individuals facing conservatorship, guardianship, parental terminations, probate, and Welfare & Institutions Code Section 5150 proceedings.        

ABOUT THE POSITION

 Public Defender Investigator I\II- The Public Defender Investigator plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the Public Defender's Office to provide effective and compassionate legal representation. The key responsibilities of this position include:


  • Field Investigations: Plan and conduct thorough investigations for a wide range of cases, including adult and juvenile criminal matters, guardianships, conservatorships, and other assignments handled by the Public Defender's Office. This includes examining crime scenes, locating and identifying material evidence and witnesses, interviewing witnesses, serving subpoenas, preparing detailed reports, and testifying in court as needed.

  • Client Intake: Meet with in-custody clients for initial interviews to gather essential case information. Responsibilities include reviewing police reports with clients, identifying key evidence and witnesses, collecting relevant personal data (such as mental health history, immigration or veteran status), obtaining signed medical releases when appropriate, and preparing detailed reports summarizing findings for the assigned attorney.

  • Mitigation and Sentencing Preparation: Conduct in-depth investigations into clients’ backgrounds and personal histories to prepare for sentencing or resentencing hearings. Responsibilities include identifying mitigating factors, exploring clients’ upbringing and social history, and preparing comprehensive reports and memoranda for attorneys to use in court. This work will also require the investigator to stay informed of relevant legal changes to effectively identify and present key information as outlined in various sentencing laws, ensuring that all applicable considerations are brought before the court.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

Public Defender Investigator I- This class is assigned the responsibility of performing all investigative activities relating to cases referred to the Public Defender.   This is the entry and trainee level in the Public Defender Investigator class series.  Public Defender Investigators I differ from Public Defender Investigators II as to experience level within the field of criminal defense investigations.  Although duties may be common to the next higher class of Public Defender Investigator II, incumbents are typically assigned a variety of less complex cases and function within more clearly defined guidelines.

 

Public Defender Investigator II- This class is assigned the responsibility of performing all investigative activities relating to cases referred to the Public Defender.  Public Defender Investigator II differs from the Public Defender Investigator I as to experience level within the field of criminal defense investigations.  This class is distinguished from the Public Defender Investigator I class by the demonstrated ability of an incumbent to perform difficult assignments.  This position requires considerable skill, professional judgment and thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system.  

 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for the Public Defender Investigator role is a highly motivated and experienced professional with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This individual demonstrates exceptional multitasking skills, the capacity to prioritize assignments effectively, and the ability to manage multiple cases while meeting tight deadlines.

A successful Public Defender Investigator possesses strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to establish trust and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. They excel in working with professional and lay witnesses, as well as indigent individuals, those facing mental health and/or substance abuse issues, and individuals who may initially distrust government representatives. Their empathetic and client-centered approach ensures the collection of vital information while respecting the dignity of those they serve.

This candidate brings a robust knowledge of legal procedures, evidence gathering, interviewing techniques, and courtroom processes. With more than five years of experience as a criminal defense investigator or in related investigative roles, they have demonstrated expertise in conducting thorough, impartial investigations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential to this role. The ideal candidate excels at preparing clear, comprehensive reports and engaging in productive collaboration with attorneys, clients, witnesses, and other stakeholders. Their commitment to justice, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal environments make them an invaluable asset to the Public Defender's Office. The Public Defender Investigator is not only skilled and experienced but also deeply dedicated to advocating for equitable representation and justice for all individuals, particularly those who face systemic challenges and disadvantages.

This position will likely involve conducting intake interviews with clients to gather crucial case information. A significant emphasis will also be placed on mitigation investigations and preparing for sentencing or resentencing hearings considering recent legal changes. The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting background investigations, exploring a defendant’s personal history and upbringing, and identifying mitigating factors that may influence sentencing outcomes. These tasks require a compassionate yet analytical approach to uncover and present evidence that humanizes defendants and highlights circumstances warranting consideration by the court.

 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Public Defender Investigator I/II- Investigates a wide variety of cases referred to the Public Defender; interviews suspects and witnesses; obtains statements, documents, and related factual material; obtains and preserves evidence; prepares detailed reports of investigations; testifies in court concerning the investigations.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of criminal investigation; Federal and State claiming regulations and procedures; principles of identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence; laws pertaining to search and seizure and arrest; rules of evidence and court procedures; techniques of interviewing witnesses.

 

Ability to: Interpret and apply pertinent penal provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Health and Safety Code, Business and Professional Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code, Vehicle Code, Government Code, and Penal Code; gather, assemble, analyze and present facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions; analyze and evaluate statements of witnesses or suspected violators; conduct interviews and investigations effectively and be able to properly evaluate a case; prepare comprehensive correspondence and reports; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 

Public Defender Investigator I-The above employment standards are typically attained with one year of investigative work in either law enforcement or criminal defense.

 

Public Defender Investigator II-Minimal standards for this position require the completion of two years as a Public Defender Investigator I or its equivalent.  Minimal standards for this position can also be achieved with five years of law enforcement experience, with at least one year within an investigative assignment.  A Corrections assignment would not meet this minimal requirement unless that assignment included investigative duties. 

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of a valid California driver license.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

 

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

 

  1. Do you have one year of investigative work in either law enforcement or criminal defense? If yes please list job, dates, and summarize your duties/responsibilities. If no type” N/A”
  2. Do you have two years' experience as a Public Defender Investigator I or its equivalent? If yes list job, experience, and dates. If no type” N/A”
  3. Do you have at least five years of law enforcement experience, with at least one year within an investigative assignment (not including a Corrections assignment unless that assignment included investigative duties)? If yes list job, experience, and dates. If no type “N/A.”
  4. Describe your experience conducting criminal investigations that would demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of a Public Defender Investigator.
  5. Describe key areas a Public Defender Investigator can contribute to the preparation of a case at the pretrial, trial, and post-conviction stages.
  6. I acknowledge this position requires a valid California driver license. Yes/No

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee will operate a motor vehicle daily; need the ability to move over uneven surfaces on foot or in vehicles, cross ditches, through fences, etc.; need the ability to have sure and quick movements such as running.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee will have substantial interaction with the public and staff; work with individuals in high stress situations; have the ability to analyze and resolve possible threat or danger.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

  • All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
  • Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
  • Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
  • Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.everify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf. If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
  • In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
  • Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – General Unit.
  • Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefits for additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

 

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

 

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on December 27,2024. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered. 

 

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof. 

 

Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. 

 

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

 

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

 

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.