About the Department
Under the close supervision of an Investigator 3, Assistant Public Defender and/or other supervisory official, in a two-year training program, receives formal and on-the-job training to learn to prepare cases for the representation of clients and/or the processing of citizen complaints; does related work.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Working on a holistic, interdisciplinary team with lawyers and other Public Defender staff.
- Investigating client background information including mental health, medical, education, trauma, strengths, resilience, and social history.
- Visiting and interviewing clients, family, and other collateral and community contacts to investigate personal background and history summaries.
- Developing well-written histories, mitigation memoranda, and other reports to assist attorneys with client relationships and advocacy in all facets of representation.
- Interviewing Public Defender clients to investigate and assess the need for community-based resources.
- Investigating and linking clients to community resources, including treatment, counseling, housing, employment, transportation, and general support.
- Devising and implementing individualized service, treatment, and release plans.
- Developing cooperative relationships with community organizations and maintaining community resource guides.
- Attending meetings and intakes with clients, providing case management assistance.
- Maintain a database of community resources.
- Liaise and maintain agency relationships with community partners and community organizations.
- Appearing in court to explain the work done on the client’s behalf.
PLEASE NOTE: The ideal preference location of the position is for central New Jersey, but multiple location options are available based on candidate’s preference and operational needs. Some travel around the state and within the assigned region(s) is required and expected for this position. Position Duties
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Four (4) years of professional experience in conducting field investigations, analyzing information, and preparing reports in a law enforcement, criminal defense, or social service agency.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
NOTE: Specialized education and experience may be combined to satisfy the prerequisite. Fifteen credits of course work (beyond the survey level) in psychology, sociology, or social work may be substituted for six months of specialized practice.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field; master’s degree in social work is preferred but not required. Relevant professional experience can be substituted for the master's requirement.
NOTE: For candidates holding a master’s degree in social work, licensure will be expected but can be obtained after beginning in this role. A social work license is not required to begin working in this role.
Minimum Qualifications
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Other Qualifications
Appointee's work performance will be reviewed and rated semi-annually during each twelve (12) months of the two (2) year apprenticeship program. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, appointees will be eligible for advancement to the title of Investigator 1, Public Defender, in accordance with Civil Service Commission procedures.
The inability of an employee in the Apprentice title to attain the required level of performance stipulated in each of the twelve (12) month training periods shall be considered cause for separation from employment.
If you are applying under the NJ "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (833) 691-0404.