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JOB SUMMARY
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Under the direction supervision of a higher classified employee, the Administrator of the Investigations Division will serve as the overall director of the assigned divisional program. This position will oversee the investigations of criminal cases as assigned by the Chief Public Defender in collaboration with other county departments, out-of-county public defenders and law enforcement agencies to service the indigent clients involved in the legal system.
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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Essential Duties:
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Oversees and administers the design, implementation, communication and administration of assigned program areas and daily operations of the Division including, but not limited to developing investigation plans, identifying key potential witnesses and leads, organizing and oversight of special investigations for sensitive cases, and all other investigation services to ensure attorneys of the Public Defender¿s Office are able to provide a well-rounded, articulate and quality representation of clients in criminal cases.
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Provides functional oversight, direction and appropriate implementation of the Division¿s case assignments and special projects and ensuring compliance with State of Michigan criminal laws, rules of evidence, statutory laws governing investigations, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission¿s Standards (pending and approved), American Bar Association standards, State Bar of Michigan standards and all other rules, regulations, and court orders.
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Oversees and directs the collection of and analysis of evidence; consults and assists with trial preparation by designing and preparing professional photographs, diagrams, maps, and other trial exhibits to assist in criminal trials; procures and coordinates attendance of critical defense witnesses for trial.
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Responsible for the management and completion of case investigations and special investigative projects; plan, organize, direct, and control the work activities of assigned division and acts as an autonomous leader with divisional-level decision-making authority.
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Organizes cross-departmental teams and third-party resources on assigned cases and oversee the scope of work on all investigations. Ensure compliance with departmental expectations and with County, State, and Federal laws, policies, regulations, and third-party professional agreements.
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Develops, recommends, and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for assigned program areas through short- and long-term strategic planning and optimization of best practices.
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Defines investigation objectives, scope, goals, and deliverables for assigned case investigations in collaboration with Chief Public Defender, Deputy Chief Public Defender, Senior Attorney Leadership Team, Assistant Public Defenders, and other Division Administrators.
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Plans, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of professional investigators and support investigations staff; recommends selection of personnel and trains them in work processes.
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Supports operation matters providing advice and counsel on legal investigation issues, disciplinary issues, and other related issues that may arise.
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Reads, interprets, and applies State of Michigan criminal laws and procedures related to investigations, trial testimony and evidence; works closely with attorneys to ensure strict adherence to laws and regulations.
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Collaborates with legal counsel to create, maintain, update, and distribute trial resources and tools such as documents, photographs, graphs, video, audio, charts, etc.
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Collect, analyze, and preserve potential evidence including, but not limited to, documents, media, photographs, etc. File, organize, and maintain such evidence and all other records with strict confidentiality.
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Oversight and administration of Public Defender investigation programs, including communication to attorneys, clients, and witnesses. Ensures that assigned investigations and communications comply with federal and state rules, regulations and requirements and established standards of practice for defense investigators.
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Develops and ensures the consistent implementation of training for Division Investigators and staff to ensure understanding and adherence to the investigation processes and ethical standards.
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Drafts, develops, and makes presentations to criminal defense community (e.g., Public Defender¿s office, local and state-wide defense bar, etc.) about investigations, processes, and advantages of same.
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Identifies needs and issues, evaluates, and consults with Division Administrators and issues recommendations to Chief Public Defender for third-party service providers to collaborate on investigations.
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Collects, analyzes, and reports data related to case investigations and related outcomes; confers with employees at all levels to exchange information.
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Assists in the development and control of the Division¿s operating budget in order to efficiently allocate financial resources.
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Attends conferences and workshops related to investigations or similar processes.
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Monitors and reports on case investigation progress (e.g., status of investigations, the efficiency of existing investigation processes, procedures to identify areas requiring improvement).
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Works closely with attorneys to continuously review case investigations and make recommendations on leads, surveillance subjects.
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Represents the Public Defender Department when collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies, other private investigators and criminal-defense experts and vendors (e.g., phone forensics, social workers, accident reconstructionist, etc.) on case investigations.
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May be called to testify at trials and/or other hearings.
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Drafts and submits investigation reports to attorneys and Chief Public Defender.
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Uses standard office equipment in the course of the work. May drive a County or personal vehicle in the course of the work.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
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EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of State of Michigan criminal laws and procedures; must also have knowledge of public defense processes and procedures; familiarity with Court processes and evidentiary rules.
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Knowledge and understanding of investigation process and ability to observe and interpret physical evidence.
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Thorough working knowledge of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act (2013) and Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Standards (pending and approved); must also have knowledge of all applicable statutes, legislation, rules, and regulations governing private investigations.
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Thorough knowledge and familiarity with demonstrated ability to interpret all laws related to all evidence types (e.g., circumstantial, direct, trace, hearsay, etc.). Must have working knowledge of evidentiary rules regarding admissibility of evidence.
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Research, interpret, and analyze data. Experienced with detailed report preparation techniques.
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Business mathematics, including basic statistical analysis techniques.
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Ability to interact positively and objectively with elected officials, managers, supervisors, Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and employees at all levels and citizens from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
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Preparing clear, concise, and effective written materials.
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Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills including interviewing and investigation procedures, conflict resolution processes, etc.
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Highly motivated and self-directed. Ability to work independently using sound judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines, and ability to persuasively state one¿s case.
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Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment within deadlines and delegate when appropriate.
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Proven ability to professionally handle and maintain confidential information, and thorough understanding of attorney-client confidentiality issues.
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Advanced project management skills including planning, time management, organization, and decision-making skills. Setting priorities, coordinating multiple investigations, and meeting critical deadlines.
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Directing the work of others on an investigation and/or day-to-day basis.
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Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and the ability to learn data base software utilized in public defense administration and case management.
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Managing multiple open investigations simultaneously.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop, establish and foster positive, effective relationships with attorneys, local, regional, and national law enforcement agencies, and community groups.
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Strong analytical skills, deductive reasoning, social perceptiveness and problem-solving skills with ability to quickly assess situations, create solutions and issue recommendations and directives.
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LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
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Possession of a valid driver's license.
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Possession of State of Michigan Investigator's License (MCL 338.821 et seq) or ability to become licensed within six (6) months of date of hire.
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Completion of an approved investigative training or certification from Criminal Defense Investigation Training Commission within six (6) months of date of hire.
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, read printed and electronic materials, and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
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Must operate and transport investigation equipment from location to location in the examination of crime scene photography, crime scene sketches, or capture of investigation evidence collection. Duties may require employee to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force, or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to bend, reach, and lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Must be able to work varied hours.
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Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to visual and/or audio logical appliances and devices to increase mobility.
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EDUCATION
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Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, investigations, or appropriate related field. Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Investigations, or appropriate related field preferred.
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EXPERIENCE
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Three (3) to five (5) years of professional level experience hosting investigative duties. Preferred experience in a centralized Public Defender environment, or in a public agency, administering programs. Supervisory role/experience for a minimum of two (2) years.
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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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Employee may carry a concealed firearm if preferred when performing daily investigations. Staff who wish to use a concealed weapon, must provide proper licensing to Human Resources and Risk Management prior to carrying. Firearms are not allowed in county buildings and if brought inside, must be kept under lock and key to ensure safety for building occupants.
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This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.
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FILING DEADLINE: 10/29/24
CONTROL NUMBER: 2410-2900-3316-0001
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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