The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDSDC) is interested in attracting the best talent for our organization. To be considered for this vacancy announcement, applicants should review the announcement in its entirety and follow the instructions within. To learn more about PDSDC, please visit https://www.pdsdc.org/.

Duties

Division Overview: 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 located 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. Collection of statistical information. 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. On a rotating basis, the incumbent must work Saturdays and any day Arraignment Court is operational. Major Duties: As an Eligibility Examiner, the incumbent performs the following duties: 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 courtrooms as applicable. Assures that every adult defendant and juvenile respondent has been interviewed before first court appearance. 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. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

Qualifications Required for the Grade 5 All candidates must possess the above noted educational qualification and one year of general experience as described below: General experience is progressively responsible clerical, office or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the clerical duties such as filing, telephone usage, typing, record keeping, etc. Qualifications Required for the Grade 6 To qualify for the Grade 6, a candidate must possess the aforementioned educational requirement and two years of general experience (described below), which must have been at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-5 level. General experience is progressively responsible clerical, office or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the clerical duties such as filing, telephone usage, typing, record keeping, etc. Qualifications Required for the Grade 7 To qualify for the Grade7 a candidate must possess the aforementioned educational requirement and at least 1 year the following specialized experience: Candidates must have demonstrated and progressively responsible experience that is in, or closely related to, the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to apply a body of rules, regulations, decisions, or statutes; extracting data from various sources; and dealing with people for purposes such as assessing eligibility for and advising on benefits and obligations for social services or similar purposes. Other Qualifications Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of the closing date of the announcement. Applicants must have accurate typing skills and possess basic data entry skills. Candidates must be able to: effectively communicate orally with all who come in contact with DSO; interact tactfully and diplomatically with others; and gather and assemble facts for analysis; and work well under pressured circumstances. 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 operate 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 and unexpected noises, varying levels of lighting, and obstructed views. Constantly be able to work in an environment with locked doors, metal bars, with 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. Highly Desirable 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. Strong customer service experience. Knowledge of MS Office Suites. Candidates with bilingual Spanish/English and/or American Sign Language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Contacts

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