U.S. Citizens and those authorized to work in the United States.

Duties

This position is located in the Public Defenders Service for the District of Columbia (PDS), Defender Services Office (DSO). DSO offices are located in the D.C. Superior Court Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington D.C. Services provided by the DSO include: eligibility interviews of all defendants and juvenile respondents and their families; eligibility determinations for all defendants and respondents to determine what, if any, eligibility they may have for legal representation provided under Criminal Justice Act; verification of eligibility; assisting the court in the appointment of counsel process by coordinating the call-in list for available Panel attorneys, processing the lock-up list and assessing the availability of PDS attorneys, clinical students and pro bono attorneys; identifying conflicts in legal representation; answering inquiries from the public, attorneys, court personnel and the Judiciary; and the collection of statistics on demographics of arrestees. Because the DSO provides critical technical support to the court for the initial appearance of arrestees, the DSO days of operation mirror those of arraignment court. Thus, the DSO is operational on all Saturdays and on all holidays, and management and staff coverage is ensured using a rotating schedule. Incumbent must work Saturdays and any day Arraignment Court is operational, on a rotating basis. Responsibilities Writes, or assists with writing, the lock-up interview sheets. Interviews defendants and juvenile delinquents in the cellblocks when made available by the U.S. Marshal's Service. Locates and interviews family members as needed. Elicits information from each interviewee as to financial status for the eligibility determination and other individual demographic information for input into the PDS statistical database. Organizes interview sheets and distributes to all applicable courtrooms. Assures that every adult defendant and juvenile respondent first appearing in court has been interviewed. Completes random eligibility verification using available databases. On a rotational basis or when assigned, works at a counter approximately 4ft in height, handling a variety of inquiries and requests from the public and attorneys. May periodically prepare the attorney cut-off and limited lists. When summoned, interviews defendants in courtrooms, testifies with respect to information obtained through the interview process, and explains to judicial officers the office's eligibility determination for a particular defendant. Inputs interview data into PDS databases. Incumbent rotates work assignments, lockups, and counter duties. Completes other duties as assigned. In additional to the essential functions above, this position also requires the incumbent to be able to do the following: Constantly communicate fluently in oral and written English. Constantly communicate effectively with PDS staff and outside parties over multiple modalities such as phones, e-mail, video conferencing, facsimile, etc. Constantly operating a computer and other office equipment which may require repetitive movements. Constantly being able to read and interpret print in hard copy and electronic formats. Constantly be able to work in an environment that may include one or more of the following loud, unexpected noises, varying levels of lighting, and obstructed views. Constantly be able to work in an environment with locked doors, metal bars, and the inability to freely exit. Constantly be able to communicate across physical barriers, using increased volume and enunciation when necessary. Constantly navigate multiple programs both on the PDS network (such as e-mail, calendar, etc.)., as well as shared programs with outside networks. Constantly regulate stress of workplace. Constantly navigate office environment to access file cabinets, drawers, office machinery, etc. Constantly perform sedentary office work. Constantly travel by walking, climbing stairs to complete eligibility interviews. Frequently be able to work at a counter approximately 4 feet in height, either sitting or standing. Frequently be able to utilize a handheld device which may exhibit a visible glare and weigh up to 10 pounds. Occasionally travel to offsite locations via vehicle, public transportation and/or walking. Occasionally enter buildings with limited access entrance and/or steps. Rarely lift weights 30 pounds or more.

Requirements

Qualifications

High school degree or equivalent is required. Must be at least 21 years of age. Candidates must be able to: effectively communicate orally with all who come in contact with DSO; interact tactfully and diplomatically with others; gather and assemble facts for analysis; and work well under pressured circumstances. Applicants must have accurate typing skills and possess basic data entry skills. To qualify for Grade 5, one year of general experience is required. To qualify at Grade 6, two years of general experience is required, which must have been at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-5 level. To qualify for Grade 7, one year of specialized experience is required. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of and skill in applying basic business office rules, procedures, and operations sufficient to perform a full range of support tasks within a legal office environment. Customer service experience is strongly preferred. Knowledge of MS Office Suites is highly preferred. Candidates with bilingual Spanish/English and/or American Sign Language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education

High School degree or equivalent.

Contacts

• Address Public Defender Service for District of Columbia 633 Indiana Ave., NW Washington, DC 20004 US
• Name: Public Defender Service
• Email: [email protected]