Job Details for Investigator (Capital Habeas Unit)
| Court Name/Organization: | Ohio Southern Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position: | The Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Ohio, is accepting applications for the position of Investigator in the Capital Habeas Unit, to be stationed in the Columbus office. Our mission is to provide our clients with legal services of the highest quality. We zealously and ethically represent the human worth, dignity, and interest of our clients with courage, devotion, and uncompromised advocacy. |
| Location: | Columbus, OH |
| Opening and Closing Dates: | 10/08/2024 - 01/06/2025 |
| Appointment Type: | Permanent |
| Link to Court Careers Information: | https://ohs.fd.org/career-opportunities |
| Announcement Number: | 24-009 - Reposting |
Position Description
The Investigator will be a part of a team of attorneys, paralegals, and investigators representing clients on death row in federal post-conviction proceedings. The Investigator will be responsible for creating investigation plans and overseeing both fact and mitigation investigations for the cases to which they are assigned. Day to day duties include, but are not limited to, locating and interviewing witnesses, reading discovery to identify potential investigation, building relationships with clients and their families, locating and supervising expert witnesses, serving subpoenas, drafting reports, drafting social histories, reviewing and summarizing case records, visiting crime scenes, and locating and retrieving documents and other evidence.
About Us
The Federal Public Defender, a branch of the U.S. Courts, operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio provides the highest quality legal representation in criminal cases to persons who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Through our Trial and Appellate Units, we represent people who have been accused of federal criminal offenses from the onset of their case, through the trial and appellate phases. Through our Capital Habeas Unit, we represent people sentenced to death in Ohio and around the country, through state and federal courts and all subsequent proceedings.
We utilize teams with interdisciplinary skill sets that ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation. We are attorneys, paralegals, investigators, office administrators, and information technology specialists who prioritize centering our representation around our clients and their needs.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and works to foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek team members who share that belief and commitment. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the office because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully – no matter the allegation or circumstance. The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socioeconomic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from members of the BIPOC community, people who have been affected by the criminal legal system, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
Qualification
Applicants must have at least an Associate’s degree. Degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice are advantageous, but we are open to applicants from a variety of different disciplines. Significant investigation experience could be substituted for a degree where appropriate. A reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license is required, as travel, including overnight travel, will be necessary. In addition to travel, this position will require some evening and weekend work.
Applicants for this particular position must have the following:
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- The ability to establish and maintain rapport and good working relationships.
- The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- A working knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures.
- Knowledge and experience with trauma-informed interviewing.
- Comfort working with clients and their families in both jail and community settings.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (especially Outlook, TEAMS, Word and Excel), and Adobe.
- Advanced proficiency in internet research,
- Experience in videography and the use of cameras and other related technical equipment.
- A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle, as local travel will be necessary.
- Possess tact and good judgment, and always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
- The candidate must be a self-starter, mature, highly organized, poised, and demonstrate initiative, with ability to work in a high-demand, high-volume law office.
- A demonstrated work history of dependability and responsibility, and the ability to be a team player.
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
General Experience
Most importantly, this position requires a strong passion for helping those in need and the ability to form connections with our clients, with their families, and with witnesses in a team environment.
A successful candidate will have strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. They will be motivated, creative, resourceful, and able to work with different types of people and personalities with tact, discretion, and compassion. They will also have the ability to work well with others in a team-based approach. Fluency in a foreign language and experience with different cultures is a strong plus.
Specialized Experience
We are seeking candidates with experience investigating crimes, alternative suspects, social histories, intellectual disabilities, and/or mental illness. The ideal candidate will have experience locating people, interviewing people, and drafting reports, as well as experience conducting both fact investigation interviews and mitigation investigation interviews. Experience in post-conviction or capital investigation is a plus. Criminal defense experience is helpful but not required. If you do not have criminal defense experience, please explain why you are now interested in working in criminal defense.
Benefits
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $75,646 and $107,817 per year. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). The position offers federal employment benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k). Part time teleworking is available, consistent with office policy, court obligations, and position duties
How To Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a resume and three professional references. Applicants also must include a cover letter explaining why they are interested in representing people on death row and how their professional and/or life experiences qualify them to succeed in this position. Applicants are also encouraged to submit a writing sample. All materials should be submitted in PDF format, to OHS_employment@fd.org. In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use. This position will be open until filled.
Note: This is a re-posting of this position. If you have applied for this position within the past three months, please do no re-apply.
All application information is subject to verification. Appointment to the position is contingent upon a background investigation including an FBI fingerprint check. Employees of the Federal Defender are members of the judicial branch of government; they are considered ‘at will’ and can be terminated with or without cause.
We are an inclusive office and seek applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.