Investigator (Norman)

About the Role

The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) is the statewide public defender agency which provides legal representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Oklahoma, with the exception of Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. OIDS is currently seeking a full-time Investigator in Non-Capital Trial Division, Norman office.

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing investigative work needed to support criminal defendant cases. Work is conducted to investigate, communicate, and collaborate with defendants, families, attorneys, witnesses, experts, law enforcement officers, public officials, health record professionals, employers, and jurors. Duties also include gathering and analyzing evidence; traveling and conducting interviews; compiling accurate reports; and supporting attorneys in court proceedings.

Typical Functions

• Directed by the assigned case attorney, investigates client defenses and backgrounds of the client and the client's family.
• Locates and travels to interview defendants (in jail or on bond) and witnesses; gathers evidence, recovers the criminal records of clients and witnesses; and serves subpoenas.
• Consults with attorneys related to evidence, interviews, expert testimonies, law enforcement reports, social histories, and evidentiary sources. Critically reviews Forensic Evidence Reports for anomalies.
• Researches and prepares documents concerning the client's defense. Create or update the family and social history report.
• Establishes and maintains a professional relationship with clients, families and witnesses.
• Schedules and organizes clients, materials and witnesses for court appearances. Locates and interviews jurors after trial or other legal proceedings.
• Details evidence and references in files; and develops and produces written reports of investigations.
• Attends and testifies in court proceedings, subject to the prohibitions against disclosure of privileged conversations. Assists the assigned case attorney at hearings or arguments.
• Participates in staff meetings and continuing education as requested.
• Performs administrative duties which may include serving as liaison to various agencies; serving on hiring committees; developing investigative tools; or conducting investigations for the Executive Division.
• Records and submits case-tracking information, leave forms, travel and expense reports, and other records within deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of interviewing techniques; investigative techniques; location of background and evidence sources; English, grammar, and sentence structure for document preparation; and computer and software usage.
• Skill in critical thinking to seek truth and understanding; organizing and presenting facts and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; using good judgment in situation analysis, confidentiality, and decision-making.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with clients, family members, witnesses, and others working on the cases; and maintaining chain of control over evidence collected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current Oklahoma driver's license, and ability to fulfill frequent and lengthy trips for work travel.
• Preference may be given to incumbents with criminal litigation investigative experience.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• Wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Life/Supplemental Life/Dependent Life/Disability insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
• Employee assistance program and health/fitness programs
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees (amounts increase with years of service)
• 11 paid holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

Pay

Minimum annual salary is $40,000. Salary commensurate with qualifications and agency salary schedule. Positions may be filled at Levels I–IV or Senior Investigator level, depending on candidate experience.

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