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PUBLIC DEFENDER INTAKE SPECIALIST I

Recruitment #15-002692-0008

Introduction

The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants.  The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All.  Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission. The Office of the Public Defender is seeking to fulfill a full-time entry level Public Defender Intake Specialist I position in its Princes George’s County offices.  The offices are located in Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville and a satellite location at the Princes George’s Detention Center.  We are seeking an applicant who is detail oriented, with customer service and data entry skills that is able to work in a fast paced environment.  The Public Defender Intake Specialist I interviews indigent clients to obtain background and financial information to determine eligibility for public defender services.  There will be significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention center and/or state prison settings in order to provide and gather information.  Travel between offices and detention center is required. There is only bus access at each location.   Bilingual (Spanish) applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

GRADE

8

LOCATION OF POSITION

14735 Main Street, Suite 272-B, Courthouse, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772   

4990 Rhode Island Ave, Room 345, Hyattsville, MD 20781  

Main Purpose of Job

The Public Defender Intake Specialist I is the first interaction clients have with the Office of the Public Defender. Professionalism and people skills are a must. Intake Specialists will answer phones, enter data and interviews clients for information relevant to case files and to determine eligibility for representation by the Office of the Public Defender. Employees in this classification do not supervise. Intake specialist hours may vary and may be required to report as early at 7:00am. Intake Specialist rotate between locations.

POSITION DUTIES

The Public Defender Intake Specialist I is the first interaction clients have with the Office of the Public Defender.  Professionalism and people skills are a must.  Intake Specialists will answer phones, enter data and interviews clients for information relevant to case files and to determine eligibility for representation by the Office of the Public Defender.  Employees in this classification do not supervise.  Intake specialist hours may vary and may be required to report as early at 7:00am.  Intake Specialist rotate between locations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six months of experience interviewing persons for the purpose of obtaining and verifying background or financial information.

Notes:

1. Additional experience interviewing persons for the purpose of obtaining background or financial information may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required six months experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Compliance Inspection and Support  classifications or Compliance Inspection and Support  specialty codes in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.  

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in fast paced customer-oriented employment as well as data entry experience and experience in obtaining financial information from clients (this can include such tasks as assisting clients with applications to open store/retail credit cards, assisting in leasing applications, assisting with eligibility for charitable organizations or non-profit goods, etc.).  Strong communication skills and an interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification.  Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position.  You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications preferred.  Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134. Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling Janynee Covington (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258. 

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.

A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.




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