DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for performing investigations of criminal, family law, and parole cases that are assigned to the Public Defender's Office.  The work requires a high degree of confidentiality.  Beyond searching for and gathering evidence, an investigator will also help the attorney organize the information. 
The investigator must carefully document whatever evidence he/she finds, allowing an attorney to effectively use it in court, and rarely, the investigator may be called upon to offer testimony in court. The investigator will also assist the attorney to prepare and serve legal documents, such as subpoenas. Supervision is received from the Public Defender or an Assistant Public Defender.  Considerable leeway is allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in the details of the work.  Supervision is not exercised over the work of others.  Does related work as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of investigative techniques; good knowledge of court and jurisdiction related laws and procedures; good knowledge of interviewing techniques; skill in eliciting information from people; ability to maintain records and prepare narrative reports; ability to understand written material; ability to express oneself effectively, orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain a rapport with clients; ability to get along well with others; willingness to perform field work and to work, on occasion, unusual hours; honesty; tact; confidentiality; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A.      Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma; AND
B.      Ten (10) years of experience in criminal and civil investigation work or substantially similar work.
IF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IS INDICATED; TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED AND SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.  A CANDIDATE LACKING THE REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL RECEIVE A CONDITIONAL APPROVAL PENDING THE RECEIPT OF TRANSCRIPTS.
Special Requirement: Because this position requires considerable field work a candidate must either possess a valid New York State Driver License or demonstrate an ability to meet the travel requirements of the position.
Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice Services or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.
ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.