Death Penalty Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DEFINITION The Public Defender Office provides Mission-Driven Work with Real Impact. You are part of a team that changes outcomes for real people. Work here is meaningful, emotionally impactful, and unlike any private-sector role.

Work includes criminal, juvenile (criminal), mental health, and specialty court matters. Collaborative & supportive team culture - our office is known for humor, empathy, and a high-trust, fast-paced environment. Independence & Ownership of Work - Staff who want independence thrive in our office.

Please note: This is a full-time, grant funded position in Public Defender's Office. This position is currently funded for 1 year and 9 months and is anticipated to end on May 31, 2028. Job Highlights: This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including: Conducting investigations related to the defense of public defender clients.

Interviewing defendants and others in custody in jail, juvenile hall, and other facilities. Analyzing and evaluating police, court and other records including videos; prepares and serves subpoenas. Under general supervision, conducts investigations relating to the defense of clients referred by the court or other County agencies for a variety of criminal and other cases; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is an experienced investigation class, fully competent to provide investigative support for a variety of cases. Incumbents exercise a high degree of independent judgment and have ongoing decision-making responsibility in their work. This class is distinguished from other investigative classes which are found in the Sheriff's and District Attorney's offices in that those classes are required to obtain peace officer status.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Plans, directs and conducts investigations related to the defense of a variety of court and agency referred clients. Locates and interviews defendants, complainants, law enforcement officials, witnesses and other involved parties. Interviews defendants and others in custody in jail, juvenile hall and mental facilities.

Analyzes and evaluates police, court and other records; prepares and serves subpoenas. Collects, secures and preserves evidence, photographs, fingerprints and diagrams; transports evidence to crime labs for examination. Prepares the penalty phase of death penalty cases.

Acts as liaison between the County and law enforcement agencies and between various County departments. Collects and verifies documents, statements, evidence and testimony, assists attorneys in analysis of cases. Prepares a variety of investigative reports related to assigned cases; organizes and maintains caseload records.

Reviews procedures, protocols and systems; recommends revisions as needed. Develops and provides training to designated staff in County departments on subjects related to case preparation, interviewing and related issues. Testifies in court to verify information collected during investigations.

Operates and maintains a variety of recording equipment; assists in conducting polygraph examinations. Assists in developing investigation policies and procedures. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principles and practices of law enforcement, including crime scene evidence preservation and interpretation and arrest and custody procedures.

Principles, methods and equipment used in the investigation of crimes. Methods of tracing and locating individuals that have disappeared. Laws, codes and ordinances governing rules of evidence and criminal investigations.

Methods and techniques of interviewing. Principles, laws, codes and ordinances governing the investigation and preparation of the penalty phase of death penalty cases. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for criminal investigations.

Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of a personal computer. Principles and practices of training. Skill in: Investigating and analyzing crime scene information and evidence collected, evaluating findings and reaching sound conclusions.

Interviewing and obtaining information from witnesses, suspects and others. Tracing and locating individuals using a variety of methods. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Investigating and preparing the penalty phase of death penalty cases. Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Maintaining accurate records and files.

Providing effective training to others. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Other Requirements: Must possess a valid California driver's license.

Must be willing to work off-hours or on a call-out basis. Desirable Education and Experience: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Two years of experience in interviewing individuals and performing field and office investigations, preferably in a law enforcement or a legal or court setting. Maintenance of firearms qualifications and completion of coursework outlined under State Penal Code Section 832 are desirable, but not required.

Possession of a valid State of California Private Investigator License is desirable. WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HOW TO APPLY A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.

Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. SELECTION PROCEDURE The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.

Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long does it take to fill out the application. You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application. Can I change my application after submitting it.

No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish.

Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered. How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application.

You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process

You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us. Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam

Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential.

The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street.

Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. MEDICAL EXAMINATION A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation. LICENSES Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S

citizenship or legalized status. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.

Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.