PUBLIC DEFENDER INTAKE SPECIALIST I-Bilingual

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 detail oriented applicants with customer service and data entry skills for a full-time, entry level, Public Defender Intake Specialist I. The position requires the ability to work in a fast paced environment in either the Upper Marlboro or Hyattsville, Maryland office. Travel between offices is required as well as travel to the county detention center for client interviews. The Public Defender Intake Specialist I-Bilingual employee interviews defendants to obtain background and financial information to determine eligibility for public defender services. Proficiency in Spanish and English is required for these positions.  Application information is obtained from defendants and their families in our office, and the detention center.

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

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 interview clients for information relevant to case files and eligibility determination for representation by the Office of the Public Defender. Employees in this classification do not supervise. Employees will utilize their Spanish-speaking skills to translate during the intake interview process for Spanish-speaking applicants.

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.

Bilingual skills are required for this position.  Applicant must be able to speak, read and write proficiently in both Spanish and English.

Proficiency in data entry, strong communication skills and experience working in a fast paced retail or office environment.  Customer service experience and a strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. 

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.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications preferred.  Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.

Inquiries regarding applications and submission of 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 (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. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.