CENTENNIAL CO 80112
About the Colorado State Public Defender
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Job Description
This classification describes the first-line supervisor responsible for overseeing the work of a group, unit or team of non-supervisory employees within the investigative function of the office. Supervisory responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, assigning work; performance management; modifying and authorizing work procedures; and, resolution of personnel matters as determined by the Chief Investigator. Positions have demonstrated an advanced level of skill and experience across a broad variety of assignments involving work of the highest complexity. Positions require effective interpersonal and communications skills (e.g. providing direction and feedback, constructively dealing with conflict), as well as problem-solving. Within the assigned leadership capacity, positions are able to formulate solutions to original problems to guide less experienced staff in handling a broad spectrum of cases or work assignments. Positions assume administrative responsibilities; mentor staff through coaching, developing and training in-house or agency wide; represent the office and agency to clients and external groups as appropriate; and, support and implement the directives of upper management. Positions perform investigative work, frequently in an advanced capacity; however, may be assigned a reduced caseload as deemed necessary by the Chief Investigator and Office Head.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides direct supervision over a small group or unit of investigative staff, which may include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting employee performance evaluations and reviews; ensuring employees are trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; and, making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
- Assists other supervisors and managers in coordinating and monitoring case assignments and daily activities; modifying and authorizing work procedures; providing direction and guidance to effectively manage time, travel and resources; and, resolving personnel and other matters as directed.
- Assists the Chief Investigator and Office Head in administrative duties such as, leading meetings; serving as a resource or technical expert to other staff including recognizing and answering ethical questions and identifying conflict determinations; filling system wide, State Office needs; and, assisting in related regional office matters. Positions may carry a reduced caseload to accommodate supervisory and administrative tasks.
- Delivers training to investigators and other staff in investigative techniques and methods within the assigned regional office and agency-wide as needed. Serves as a mentor being readily and regularly accessible to assigned investigators.
- Positions in this class are able to conduct a wide range of investigations, including the most complex cases requiring advanced knowledge and experience in investigative methods and techniques, policies and procedures and court processes. Serve as collaborative members of the defense team consulting with attorneys on theories of defense including applicable case law and potential ethical issues to establish a strategy for the investigation and interviews.
- Performs duties to support the defense and investigations including, but not limited to, maintaining regular and timely communications with attorneys to keep apprised as to the status of the investigation; providing trial and hearing support through preparing clients, exhibits and witnesses for trial or sentencing; researching treatment placement options and coordinating with probation services as needed; performing post-trial tasks as needed; maintaining thorough documentation of all work; and, maintaining and utilizing tools and equipment for conducting investigations.
- Applies appropriate skills necessary in testifying accurately and truthfully on behalf of the defense. Trains and mentors less experienced investigators on testifying.
- Processes and submits applicable forms and paperwork in accordance with mandated cost procedures and State Office policy and procedures; and, ensures staff compliance with same.
- Frequent travel within and occasionally outside the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel.
- Assists other regional offices in conducting investigations, as assigned.
- Attends meetings and trainings as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimal Educational / Professional Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS: Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Education and Experience:
-
Bachelors’ degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, social sciences, psychology, criminology, legal studies, political science, international relations, public relations, or communications
- 4 years of criminal defense investigation experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Spanish Speaking- Intermediate level and above
Conditions of Employment:
- Upon hire and for the duration of employment, must be a Colorado resident
- Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle.
- Due to the nature of this role, candidates with felony convictions are not eligible for this role
Requirements
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job (outlined below), with or without reasonable accommodation. Unless otherwise stated, all job duties are considered essential functions
Knowledge (position requirements at entry):
- Knowledge of English language, grammar, and punctuation.
- Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
- Knowledge of standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, internet browsers and e-mail.
Skills (position requirements at entry):
- Strong client facing service focus
- Ability to maintain client and office confidentiality;
- Ability to complete multiple tasks and assignments with frequent interruptions;
- Standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers and e-mail;
- Ability to learn and utilize Adobe Acrobat;
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, court personnel, clients and client families, and public from diverse backgrounds;
- Operation of common office tools and equipment such as calculators, desktop computers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines;
- Effective communication, verbal and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information; includes receiving work direction.
Physical Requirements
Employees must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
- Occasionally required to stoop and kneel;
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
- Talking and hearing;
- Reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers.
Position Pages
Learn more about this role beyond the specific opening, including typical responsibilities, training, and how the position supports our clients and offices across Colorado.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the Colorado State Public Defender’s online application system.
You will be taken to our official application system (UKG Ready) to submit your application. Applicants may be prompted to create an account.
Apply for the Supervising Investigator Position (opens in a new tab)
Benefits of Working for the OSPD
- Medical Insurance
- Basic Vision Insurance – included with medical plans
- Dental Insurance
- State Paid Life Insurance
- State Paid Short-Term Disability
- FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
- HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
- Flexible Schedules
- 11 paid holidays
- Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
- Colorado PERA
- 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Summary
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
JOB APPLICATION FAIRNESS ACT
Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING:
OSPD is committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels respected, accepted, and valued. With this in mind, we strive to create an inclusive workplace that embraces different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. We will continuously review our company policies and hiring practices to foster a fair and equitable work culture.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact us at ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us.
