Initial Services Assistant

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

Are you passionate about justice and the power of advocacy? Do you want to directly impact lives, not from behind a desk, but in the field?

We're seeking a dedicated bilingual (Spanish) individual to join us in a vital role. You'll be visiting in-custody clients in Maricopa County jails, meticulously reviewing discovery, performing notaries, and delivering crucial paperwork.

This is a unique opportunity to empower individuals during a critical time in their lives and ensure their right to a fair defense. If you're driven by service and want to make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

With over 470 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance with the option of either an alternative schedule or the ability to complete documentation while teleworking from home

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Three years of progressively responsible legal, court, or justice system-related experience

• High school diploma or GED

• A combination of post-secondary education and/or job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis

• Intermediate bilingual (English/Spanish) skills (speaking, reading and writing)

• Notary Public or the ability to become a Notary Public upon hire

We Also Value

Experience conducting face-to-face client interviews in a social service or criminal justice setting

Job Contributions

• Review discovery (audio, video, CDs, police reports, etc.), which can be graphic and sensitive in nature, with in-custody clients at all Maricopa County jail locations and out-of-custody clients at the office; may be required to translate and interpret discovery for Spanish-speaking clients

• Travel to Maricopa County jail locations to deliver, pick up and review case-related documents, obtain confidential information and signatures of inmates on behalf of attorneys

• Communicate criminal justice system information and answer procedural inquiries in person and over the telephone

• Coordinate daily activities such as recording docket information, dividing workload, filing interview sheets, and tracking workload in the case management system

• Prepare informational documents, forms, letters, and statistical data

• Demonstrate continuous efforts to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes while working cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless client service

• Serve as a Notary Public for the office

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight.

• This position may include exposure to traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

• Work inside all Maricopa County jails

• Must possess or obtain a valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

• This position offers flexibility with alternative schedules and the option to complete documentation while working from home, typically at the end of the day after fieldwork. Please note that the role primarily involves working in Maricopa County jails, and telework or alternative schedules are available based on business needs. You can choose either an alternative schedule or the ability to telework at the end of the day, but not both.

• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!